So called because of their large size and canine features (like German shepherds, flying foxes have doglike muzzles and pointy ears), flying foxes feed on pollen and fruits. Unlike smaller bats, Ivor sees quite well (a good thing, since he is a guide animal) and doesn't have the ability to echolocate. The largest of all bats, Ivor has a wingspan of over four feet, even though he weighs only about 3 pounds! While he eats mainly at night, he's still active during the day and eager to interact with others. He's part of larger a family of fruit-eating bats known as fruit bats, and is less feared than other bats because he eats fruit instead of hunting for prey, and because his features so closely resemble those of dogs. This may be why he's called a "flying fox" instead of a "bat."
Today we're giving Ivor lots of water because he loses so much moisture through his wings. Even though he is supposed to eat at night, he's getting a few treats during the daytime too, in between his naps.
No comments:
Post a Comment