Is love in the air for the National Zoo’s fennec foxes?

The National Zoo has just welcomed Charlie -- a mate for Daisy. They are both fennec foxes. (Clyde Nishimura/Smithsonian’s National Zoo )
Charlie is from the Bronx Zoo. (Clyde Nishimura/Smithsonian’s National Zoo )
While Charlie is a little shy, he's acclimating well and likes Daisy. (Clyde Nishimura/Smithsonian’s National Zoo )
Charlie is part of a breeding program. (Clyde Nishimura/Smithsonian’s National Zoo )
Charlie is part of a breeding program. (Clyde Nishimura/Smithsonian’s National Zoo )
(1/5)

WASHINGTON — Modern-day romance can get complicated for a fennec fox in the big city.

But luckily two fennec foxes, Daisy and Charlie, have two zoos looking out for them.

One-year-old Charlie, on loan from the Bronx Zoo, has just been transferred to the National Zoo as part of a species survival plan. He’s been matched with the National Zoo’s 5-year-old Daisy in hopes the pair will hit it off and, eventually, start a family.

Daisy arrived at the zoo in December 2014.

Right now, Charlie is a bit shy. According to the National Zoo’s Q&A his youthfulness is a contributing factor along with the new environment. Daisy, being the older woman, is far more comfortable. But the two seem to get along and Charlie is more confident when he’s around Daisy.

Currently, their exhibit is covered with paper with some “viewing holes” while Charlie adjusts. Even then, fennec foxes are nocturnal and are typically sleeping during the afternoon.

Right now, the zoo can’t make predictions on when the pair will start a family.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up