Ascarii, the fennec fox, arrived from the Czech Republic at the beginning of June and since then, the bashful young fox has been getting acquainted with Mali, a female from Augsburg Zoo in Germany.

Over the next few months, the two foxes will be looked after behind the scenes at the park while they settle into their new surroundings and complete the required period in quarantine.

Keepers are hopeful that the foxes will eventually form part of a breeding group at Drusillas. Although Ascarii remains tentative, early signs are encouraging and the couple appear to be settling well together.

Fennec foxes are the smallest members of the dog family and are native to the Sahara desert and other areas of North Africa.

They have distinctive oversized ears which can grow up to 15cms long. Their ears are large to help them release heat and to listen out for their prey at night. They also have thick fur on the soles of their paws to protect them from the hot desert sand.

Due to the arid conditions, water is scarce and fennec foxes can go for long periods without drinking. Along with rodents, insects, birds and eggs much of the fennec foxes' diet is made up of vegetation, which is where they absorb most of their water.

Zoo manager Sue Woodgate said, "We are very excited to have the fennec foxes at Drusillas.

"It is the first time a member of the dog family has been kept in the zoo and it is fantastic to have a new species at our park."

The fennec foxes will take their place along the zoo route later this year, when there is no doubt this new pair are sure to become a huge hit with both staff and visitors alike.