The five (three males, two females) suffered from severe canine distemper, but were able to recover under the protection and care of the institute. (image: NIE)
SEJONG, Sept. 30 (Korea Bizwire) – These five fennec foxes were discovered at Korean customs while being smuggled into the country in 2014.
According to the National Institute of Ecology (NIE), a total of 17 fennec foxes from Sudan were detected by the Incheon Main Customs in April 2014, 12 of which were either found dead or died shortly after from illness.
The remaining five (three males, two females) also suffered from severe canine distemper, but were able to recover under the protection and care of the institute, and one of them recently gave birth to two cubs.
The NIE said that two baby fennec foxes were born in early July. They’re both healthy and have since grown to be about 25 centimeters long (adults can grow up to 41cm). The newborns will be available for viewing by the public starting Friday at the NIE Ecorium’s Desert Hall.
Fennec foxes are nocturnal foxes found mainly in North Africa. They feed primarily on rats, lizards, and smaller birds, and live in groups of 10 or more.
However, because of their distinctive appearance – a small physique and unusually large ears – they’re popular domestic pets, thus making them subject to overhunting and smuggling.
The newborns will be available for viewing by the public starting Friday at the NIE Ecorium’s Desert Hall. (image: NIE)
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
