CINCINNATI — It's springtime in Cincinnati and all the best local staples are accounted for and present: Reds opening day, blooming yet pollen-filled trees and adorable newcomers born at the Cincinnati Zoo.
Though the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden didn't reveal them to their animal-loving public until Monday, two baby bat-eared foxes were born on April 6.
And yes, they're as adorable as the name "bat-eared fox" implies.
We are so excited to announce the two newest members of our Cincinnati Zoo fam…bat-eared fox kits! These 2 little boys were born on April 6 to first-time parents Frankie & Otis. The kits are already strong & full of personality. Learn more: https://t.co/F7Use3jZQ7 pic.twitter.com/M5DLpBPosc
— Cincinnati Zoo (@CincinnatiZoo) April 17, 2023
Parents Frankie and Otis have had several breeding attempts in the past, but the new April babies are the pair's first success, the zoo said.
Frankie's pregnancy was confirmed by scientists at the Cincinnati Zoo's Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife in early March. The zoo knew she was carrying two babies from early on as they monitored the first-time mom's pregnancy.
Now, both kits have opened their eyes and are able to wander out to the entrance of their den, the zoo said. In less than one week, they'll get their first chance at solid food — less than one month after their birthday.
The bat-eared fox is from eastern and southern areas of Africa. They aren't considered endangered or an at-risk population, but their habitat is shrinking, according to the African Wildlife Foundation. They predominantly feast on termites, beetles and other insects, climbing from their underground dens at dusk to search for their favorites, especially around other African animals that attract bugs, like zebra and buffalo.
It's most distinctive feature — its "bat ears" — are often five inches long, although the entire fox's body is only one to two feet tall; thanks to these big ears, a bat-eared fox can hear a termite chewing grass, or a beetle as it burrows underground, according to the Cincinnati Zoo.
So far, Frankie and Otis' baby boys have much smaller ears, but they'll grow up very quickly.
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