Arctic fox cubs born at Wildwood in Herne, Kent
- Ten Arctic fox cubs were born at Wildwood in May, consisting of five males and five females.
- The cubs have recently emerged from their burrows after spending their first months underground.
- Wildwood's efforts to protect and conserve these animals highlight the importance of wildlife preservation.
In May, ten Arctic fox cubs were born at Wildwood, a wildlife park located near Herne, Kent. The cubs, consisting of five males and five females, spent their initial months underground before emerging to explore their surroundings. The staff at Wildwood noticed signs of impending birth when the mother, Flo, began digging frequently, while the father, Albert, displayed aggressive behavior when approached. This behavior indicated that Flo was preparing multiple birthing sites, a natural instinct of Arctic foxes. Arctic foxes once roamed Britain during the last Ice Age but have since become extinct in Scotland due to climate changes that reduced their habitat. The current Arctic foxes at Wildwood are well-adapted to the milder climate of Kent, which differs significantly from their native harsh Arctic tundra environment characterized by ice and snow. Sally Holt, the head of carnivores and small mammals at Wildwood, emphasized the importance of these adaptations for the foxes' survival in their new habitat. The cubs have been weaned and are now being fed a diet of chicks, fish, and berries provided by their keepers. As they grow older, plans are in place for half of the cubs to be relocated to the Wildwood Trust's sister site in Devon, contributing to conservation efforts. This initiative highlights the park's commitment to protecting and re-wilding species that were once native to Great Britain. The emergence of these cubs not only brings joy to visitors but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to conserve wildlife and restore ecosystems that have been altered by human activity and climate change.