Animals don’t always look like what they really are, and that can lead to some fun surprises. A tiny creature may appear to be a familiar face but end up being something completely different.
That’s exactly what happened when a small puppy came to Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. The dedicated team of caretakers was eager to see this new arrival grow healthy and strong.
However, the initial impression was a bit of a mislead. This adorable little fellow, who had everyone thinking he was a sweet puppy, began to reveal his true colors in a surprisingly delightful twist.
As days went by, it became clear that this charming creature wasn’t a puppy at all – he was actually a bat-eared baby fox!
The bat-eared fox is a petite African fox, famous for its huge ears that can reach over 5 inches in height! These cup-shaped ears can move independently, allowing the fox to precisely locate its prey.
At first, there was a touch of disbelief as the zoo team realized the true identity of their new furry friend. But they were thrilled by his uniqueness.
Their primary concern was his health and well-being, so they threw themselves into nurturing him right away. They knew that regardless of whether he was a puppy or a fox, their job was to provide him with love and the best care possible.
So began the fun part of their role: introducing this curious baby to the wonders of his new world. As a newborn, he needed to grow up strong and healthy, which meant nutritious meals and lots of tender care.
The team started bottle-feeding the fox, and he seemed to absolutely love it, making the most endearing noises during feeding times. Once he opened his eyes, he started exploring his surroundings with great curiosity.
At just three weeks old, he started to eat solid foods and the team was thrilled to see him thriving. As time passed, the little guy was becoming bigger and bigger, especially those adorable ears!
The staff decided to name him Kalahari, a name that felt like a perfect fit, honoring his heritage from the Kalahari Desert.
They started adding some basic training to his daily routine, knowing it was key for bonding with them and getting him ready for zoo programs. Kal proved to be a really smart fox and picked up on his training with impressive speed.
Bat-eared foxes are incredibly playful and sociable. Yet, while their lively nature might seem perfect for pets, they’re wild animals with special needs that are tough to meet at home.
They’re best off in their natural habitat or with experts like those at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. With all the love and care he’s getting from these caring souls, Kal is all set for a joyful and adventurous life.