New stay at Beekse Bergen for Meerkats and Bat-eared foxes

Hilvarenbeek, October 4, 2024 - Safaripark Beekse Bergen will soon have a new species to admire: the Bat-eared fox. Construction has recently started on the new stay, where besides the Bat-eared foxes also the Meerkats will take up residence. The animals are expected to be here by the end of 2024.

The idea to introduce the Bat-eared fox at Beekse Bergen stems from the desire to build a new stay for the Meerkats. Designer Rick Merkx explains: "The Meerkats' current stay could use more visibility, it is somewhat hidden between other areas. Meerkats are real savannah animals and are currently still in a wooded area. Moreover, we want to show the versatility of Africa in the vicinity of the Elephant Valley, where the new stay will be located. Thus the idea arose to move the Meerkats and Search for a suitable African species to go with them. This became the Bat-eared foxes."

Introducing
Bat-eared foxes live in southwestern and eastern Africa and belong to the canine species. The predators are also called spoon dogs. Curator Lars Versteege: "They use their excellent hearing to hunt for insects, such as termites. Furthermore, they are quite shy animals: they like to hide, dig a lot and have a keen sense of smell." The species is not threatened with extinction, but is part of a European management program to sustainably maintain the population.

The six Bat-eared foxes will live with 14 Meerkats in the newly built outdoor enclosure. Meerkats more often share a stay with other animal species. Not every species is suitable for this, as Meerkats can be quite dominant. The animal caretakers therefore keep a close eye on how they live together. Also, both species are given separate indoor enclosures.

Savannah experience.
The Meerkats will have twice as much space, as the new stay will be about 500 m2. Merkx: "It will be a place that includes various rock formations, which will serve as vantage points for the Meerkats. There will also be wood stands that will house insects. The stay will be near the ungulate plains with wildebeest, zebra and waterbuck, among others. This is how we make the experience of the savannahs in Safaripark even more versatile for visitors."

Special sand has been developed to please burrowing Meerkats and Bat-eared foxes. The sand consists of finely ground stone and is therefore more compact. Thus, it resembles savannah sand and the tunnels dug are less likely to collapse. Underground netting prevents animals from digging under the fence.

Images may be used crediting Beekse Bergen/Mariska Vermij-van Dijk.

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