Your morning adorable: Fennec foxes at Tokyo’s Sunshine International Aquarium

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Three fennec foxes were born May 17 at Tokyo’s Sunshine International Aquarium. They recently made their public debut and have become quite popular with the aquarium’s visitors.

Now, we know what you may be thinking: ‘Oh, they’ll grow into their ears.’ They won’t, actually! Fennec foxes -- the world’s smallest fox species -- usually measure from 9 to 16 inches long as adults (not including their tails). An adult’s ears usually measure about 6 inches long -- more than half the body length of an on-the-small-side fennec.

Fennecs are native to the North African desert, and they’re extremely well-adapted to life in a desert environment. Those giant ears help to dissipate body heat, keeping the little guys cool. Their tan coloration helps them to blend in with the desert sand. Plus, they’re nocturnal, meaning they’re active when the heat is at its least searing.

More photos of the little foxes (we’re talking animals here, not Bette Davis) after the jump!

-- Lindsay Barnett