FENNEC FOX
DOBBY is a Fennec fox, the smallest canine in the world, and one of the most charming residents at Animal Tracks. He came to us as a surplus animal from another facility, and from day one, he has captured hearts with his sweet, playful nature.
Dobby loves to frolic with his collection of stuffed animals, lovingly gifted by our volunteers over the years. When he gets really excited, he squeaks like a squeaky toy—a sound that never fails to make us smile! He’s also a fan of back and face massages, and when his favorite person, Alyson, visits, he’ll immediately assume the perfect massage position, ready for some pampering.
Fennec foxes are naturally social animals, living in family groups in the wild. That’s why we were thrilled when Winky came into his life in 2020. She was originally bought as a pet in the illegal wildlife trade but was surrendered to us about two years ago. Now, she has firmly established herself as the boss, but when it comes to treats, Dobby holds his own!
Together, they make the perfect fennec pair, reminding us why these incredible animals belong in the wild—not in the pet trade.
ORDER: Carnivora
FAMILY: Canidae
GENUS: Vulpes
SPECIES: Zerda
Fennec foxes are the smallest canine in the wild. They make dens and sleep during the hottest part of the day in Sub- Saharan Africa. They are crepuscular or active at dawn and dusk. Most foxes are solitary but not the fennecs, they love family and live in groups of 10 or more. Due to the temperature in which they live they have several very important adaptations. They have a very thick coat and tail for cold desert night and furry feet to walk on burning hot sand during the day. This would be only for emergencies though like a snake in their den, as normally they would be sleeping during the hottest part. They have incredible hearing. They can hear a watch tick from 50 feet away. This helps them find their prey when it is underground. They are lightening fast as their food can be dangerous like scorpions and tarantulas. When catching a scorpion they bite off the stinger and then eat it like a potato chip. They are monogamous and after a 50 day gestation period will have 2 to 4 kits in March or April. They reach sexual maturity at about 10 months of age.
Threats
Road construction and human encroachment, fur trade and pet trade.
Conservation Status
LC - Least Concern