As if fennec foxes weren't adorable enough, we give you ... baby fennec foxes! These two tiny cubs were born at Tennessee's Chattanooga Zoo in the US just two weeks ago, and hold special significance for the species survival programme. "The genetics that father Barkley and mother Sophie hold are rare, and highly valuable in the zoo breeding programme," explain zoo staff. In fact, Barkley was shipped all the way from St. Louis to meet his mate.
Unlike their parents, the newborns don't have those signature bat-like ears, but fear not ... this is only temporary (they'll straighten out as the youngster grow). The oversized ears serve a very important purpose for fennecs in the wild. The smallest of all the world's fox species, fennecs are native to the arid African desert. The extra surface area on their ears helps the animals radiate body heat and keep cool under the scorching sun.
Top header image:hehaden/Flickr
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