News and Stories

CINCINNATI, OH (April 12, 2024) — A baby bat-eared fox was born one week ago today at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden and is doing well in the care of the Zoo’s neonate specialists and animal care staff.   

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“The kit, a boy, is progressing well with bottle feeding.  He sleeps a lot, which is normal, and makes adorable vocalizations when it’s feeding time,” said Cincinnati Zoo’s Animal Ambassador Team head keeper Samantha Villa. “His eyes are already open, and he is curious about his surroundings,” adds Senior Trainer at the Cat Ambassador Program, Andie Haugen.   

In addition to meeting the kit’s nutritional needs, the team is spending time socializing him and making sure that he is comfortable with people.  He will eventually become an ambassador animal, and visitors will see him in the Cheetah Encounter and at some events. 

The timing for his public debut is not yet known but will be announced via the Zoo’s social channels.  Other babies will be featured throughout May during Zoo Babies, sponsored by General Electric Credit Union. 

The Zoo is taking name suggestions for the kit and encourage visitors to make suggestions on social media. 

Bat-eared foxes have giant ears and exceptional hearing that helps them locate insects to eat.  They also have more teeth than most mammals, making it easier to consume live prey. Adult bat-eared foxes measure between 18 to 26 inches and weigh 7 to 12 pounds.  

Native to eastern and southern Africa, bat-eared foxes thrive in open grasslands. Although not endangered, they face challenges due to fur hunting and perceived threats to livestock. 

  The Zoo opens at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. daily.  Members get Early Entry and are welcome to enter the Zoo at 9 a.m. Memberships are on sale now, so join the Zoo at a discounted price and enjoy all the perks.    

 DID YOU KNOW…. You pay more than $10 less per ticket, on select days, when you purchase tickets online!  That’s a $40 savings for a family of 4!