CINCINNATI — The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden announced Tuesday that it welcomed a baby bat-eared fox last week and is reportedly doing well. 

“The kit, a boy, is progressing well with bottle feeding. He sleeps a lot, which is normal, and makes adorable vocalizations when it’s feeding time,” said Cincinnati Zoo’s Animal Ambassador Team head keeper Samantha Villa in a press release.

“His eyes are already open, and he is curious about his surroundings,” added Senior Trainer at the Cat Ambassador Program, Andie Haugen.  

The zoo is taking name suggestions for the baby, which the public can make on social media. A date for his public debut hasn't been set, as the team works to spend time helping him socialize and ensure he's comfortable with people. 

The zoo said he'll eventually join the Cheetah Encounter. 

Bat-ear foxes are known for what's in their name — their big ears. Those ears can help them locate insects to eat. The zoo said they also have more teeth than most mammals. An adult bat-eared fox measure between 18 to 26 inches and weigh anywhere from 7 to 12 pounds. 

They're native to eastern and southern Africa, and although they are not endangered, they do face challenges mainly because of fur hunting and threats to livestock.