Fennec Family Den*
EXHIBIT
Fennec Family Den
Watch the playful, high-energy antics of the smallest and arguably cutest fox species in the world. This exhibit is home to Sahara and Sparky, our adorable pair of big-eared Fennec Foxes! These desert natives are always full of curiosity, making them a must-see favorite for kids and families exploring our shaded paths. In their native Sahara Desert habitat, they are perfectly adapted to dry, sandy dunes, using their massive ears to radiate body heat and detect underground prey. Their desert diet consists of insects, small rodents, lizards, and desert plants for hydration. Due to the harshness of the arid wild, their natural population density is very low and spread out, which we contrast here by providing a cozy, high-enrichment double-occupancy den where our bonded pair can stay active and close.
Swamp School
Fun Fact: A Fennec Fox’s ears can grow up to 6 inches long—which is nearly half the length of their entire body! These giant ears act like built-in air conditioners to keep them cool in the hot desert.
Gatorama Explorer Question: Watch Sahara and Sparky play. How do they use their large ears to listen to their surroundings, and can you see how fluffy their paws are to protect them from hot sand?
