Columbus Zoo announces death of bat-eared fox, Ivy

POWELL, Ohio (WCMH) — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium made a sad announcement on social media Thursday about one of its bat-eared foxes.

The zoo shared that Ivy, a nearly 5-year-old bat-eared fox, was humanely euthanized after her health "deteriorated rapidly" stemming from a battle with diabetes. The online statement noted that the condition is "difficult to manage in animals."

Ivy and her brother Bruce arrived at the zoo in 2019 as "adorable kits," according to the zoo.

A photo and several details about Ivy's personality were included in the social post.

"Unlike her outgoing brother, she approached the world with a blend of curiosity and carefulness," a zoo spokesperson wrote. "She adored rubbing her neck and chest on things she found comfort in, especially the scent of her keepers and the Animal Health team. Her care team says they will fondly remember Ivy for her intelligence, playful and easy-to-train demeanor, and how she delighted guests during behind-the-scenes tours as she demonstrated her exceptional ability to locate sounds, such as crickets, with precision."

Additionally, background about Ivy's species was provided.

"Known for their distinctive huge ears, Ivy and her species have a remarkable ability to locate prey, even insects beneath the ground," the zoo wrote. "These ears also served as a means to regulate body temperature, keeping them cool under the African sun."

The zoo concluded by thanking Ivy's care team for "their unwavering dedication to her wellbeing and to wildlife conservation as a whole."

"Ivy's memory will forever live on in our hearts and in the countless lives she touched during her time with us," the zoo said. "She may have departed from this world, but her spirit will continue to inspire us to cherish and protect the precious beings that share our planet."