On 21st January 2026, we had a very exciting arrival – a small creature with some very large ears. Meet Pinky, the fennec fox!
Born in March 2025, Pinky is 9 months old and transferred from Longleat Safari Park to join resident male, Otis, as part of an EEP (EAZA Ex situ Programme) recommendation. Although it will take some time for Pinky to settle into her new home, we hope that the pair form a bond and eventually welcome some pups in the future.
Fennec foxes are monogamous and typically live in pairs with their offspring in a family unit. During a gestation period of 50-53 days, the female will move into a burrow just before the pups are born, where she will then have a litter ranging from two to five offspring. Whilst the female is with the pups, the male will make regular foraging trips to provide food until they are around 4 weeks old.
Known as the smallest fox in the world, a fully grown fennec fox weighs only 1.5kg and is between 24 and 41cm in length, compared to the British red fox which weighs around 5kg! The fennec fox is easily recognisable due to its large ears, which allow them to hear prey walking across the sand or even underground at their home, the Sahara Desert.
Fennec foxes are currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Unfortunately, they are at risk from the illegal pet trade and are often captured for exhibition purposes.
Here at CZS, we support global conservation efforts through education, breeding programmes, and partnerships with other organisations. There are many ways that you can help support fennec foxes out in the wild from purchasing a fennec fox adoption at CZS, making a donation to the Zoo or simply visiting Otis and Pinky at their home near Lion Rock.
