Foxes with oversized ears make 1,500 mile journey to new home

A pair of Fennec Foxes have arrived at their new home just outside Evesham, following a 1,500 mile trip from their former home in Hungary. The two brothers have arrived at All Things Wild, a popular zoo and conservation centre in Honeybourne, Worcestershire after travelling across land and sea before arriving at their new home. The move across Europe from Sosto Zoo was made as part of a European wide breeding programme initiative to safeguard the species from extinction.

Fennec Foxes are the world’s smallest species of Fox and can be found in the wild throughout the desert lands of Northern Africa. The species have a unique set of adaptations to help them cope with the demands of living in dry desert conditions. Fennec foxes have thick fur on their feet to protect their skin from burning on hot sand, but the animals are most famously known for their large bat shaped ears. In addition to supporting the animals with finding prey owing to their excellent hearing capabilities, their ears are also used to help dispense body heat and keep the animal cool in excessive temperatures.

Brothers Lazlo and Pascal have gone on show to the public ahead of the busy festive season. It is hoped that the pair who will be celebrating their first birthday next month, will be joined by female companions in the future, allowing the conservation centre to support maintain a European insurance population of the species.

“We’re delighted to welcome Lazlo and Pascal to All Things Wild. They are an incredibly unique and memorable species of animal, and they leave a lasting impression on guests. Having the foxes at the centre allows us to educate the public about the threats that animals are facing in the wild due to climate change and habitat loss,” said animal keeper, Matthew Parker.

“Fennec Foxes are naturally shy, but the public have a very good chance of seeing them on display this Christmas season. Lazlo is proving to be quite a character and he has been confident enough to approach our specialist zookeepers, which is reassuring should he ever need veterinary attention in the future. We are hoping to add to the number of Fennec Foxes we keep at the zoo in the coming years as part of our commitment to the European Breeding Programme.”

The Fennec Fox enclosure is located a short walk from All Things Wild’s seasonal ‘Tinsel Town’ Christmas events space. All Things Wild is open every day during December and January with the exception of Christmas Day and Boxing Day.