Cute offspring

Three flying fox babies born at Schönbrunn Zoo

The young animals are already gazing curiously at their surroundings with their big eyes.

(Bild: Daniel Zupanc)

Once again, Schönbrunn Zoo is delighted to announce the birth of another cute offspring. This time, three Kalong flying foxes were born and will delight visitors to the Vienna Zoo in the future.

"Flying foxes spend almost their entire lives hanging upside down, even their offspring are born in this position. Female flying foxes not only work against gravity, but also use their wings to form a kind of hammock to catch the young after birth," the zoo said.

First attempts at flight
According to the zoo, the young animals cling to their mothers to drink for around four to six months. Then they start to eat solid food and make their first attempts at flying. As flying mammals, fruit bats occupy a unique niche alongside bats.

(Bild: Daniel Zupanc)

"Fruit bats feed mainly on fruit, pollen, nectar and flowers. As they can travel long distances in search of food, they are important seed dispersers and make a valuable contribution to the reforestation of forests," animal keeper Samantha Cloer was quoted as saying. They spend the day upside down at their roosts.

One of the largest bats in the world
The Kalong flying fox comes from Southeast Asia. With a wingspan of up to 1.70 meters, it is one of the largest bats in the world. The flying foxes can now be visited on the upper floor of the rainforest house in the zoo.