OKC Zoo announces arrival of bat-eared foxes
Zoo welcomes pair of African bat-eared foxes to its animal family.
The newest members of the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden’s animal family, a male and female bat-eared fox, can be seen by Zoo guests in their habitat located adjacent to Lion Overlook, next to the swift fox habitat. Both bateared foxes arrived at the Zoo from the Wildcare Foundation in Noble, Oklahoma, as a result of an animal rescue. The bat-eared fox pair had been privately owned and not given the proper care and welfare they needed to thrive, therefore the Zoo was contacted about providing a forever home for this African savanna species. The male bat-eared fox is approximately 2-years-old and the female is approximately 9-years-old.
“Since arriving at the Zoo, the bateared foxes have been in quarantine at the Joan Kirkpatrick Animal Hospital and are now adjusting to their new habitat near Lion Overlook,” said Tyler Boyd, OKC Zoo curator of carnivores. “It’s been several years since bat-eared foxes have been a part of the Zoo’s animal family, so we’re really thrilled to provide them a permanent home.”
Native to the savannas and scrublands of eastern and southern Africa, bat-eared foxes are generally nocturnal carnivores who have a diet of insects (termites and ants) and mice. They live in mating pairs with their young and have an average life span of up to 13 years in human care. They are known for their enormous ears, which can grow to over five-incheslong. Their large ears not only provide a very good sense of hearing, but also work to regulate their body temperature. According to the International Union for Conservation Nature, bat-eared foxes are listed as a species of least concern, meaning their population in the wild is not currently under threat.
Have you heard? The Oklahoma City Zoo is currently in its summer hours and open daily open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the last entry no later than 4 p.m. Purchase advance tickets at www. okczoo.org/tickets and avoid the entry lines. Located at the crossroads of I-44 and I-35, the OKC Zoo is a proud member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the American Alliance of Museums, Oklahoma City’s Adventure District and an Adventure Road partner. Regular admission is $12 for adults and $9 for children ages 3-11 and seniors ages 65 and over. Children two and under are admitted free. Stay connected with the Zoo on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok, and by visiting our blog stories. Zoo fans can support the OKC Zoo by becoming a ZOOfriends member. Starting at $45, memberships can be purchased at ZOOfriends.org