Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. has named its two newest residents Han and Solo — a pair of bat-eared fox kits born to first-time parents Ziggy and Lando, and the first of their species born at the zoo in 75 years. Keepers announced the names on August 5, 2026, after the kits emerged from their den to explore their habitat and greet visitors.
The male kits were born in April 2026, the result of the zoo’s participation in the Bat-eared Fox Species Survival Plan, a breeding program coordinated across roughly 18 accredited zoos nationwide. The last bat-eared fox litter at the National Zoo arrived in 1951, making this birth a milestone for the institution’s small-carnivore program.
Stats at a Glance
- What: First bat-eared fox kits born at the National Zoo in 75 years, now named Han and Solo
- Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Washington, D.C.
- When: Born April 2026; names announced August 5, 2026
- Parents: First-time parents Ziggy and Lando
- Why it matters: Milestone for the Bat-eared Fox Species Survival Plan breeding program
The Story
Ziggy, a young female who arrived at the zoo in spring 2025, and Lando, who had never been paired with a female before, welcomed the two kits as first-time parents in April. Zoo staff monitored the den closely before publicly confirming the birth, and keepers finalized the kits’ names — Han and Solo — on August 5. Staff describe Han as the bolder of the pair, quicker to approach keepers for treats, while Solo is smaller and more reserved.
The births matter beyond their novelty: bat-eared foxes are not commonly bred in U.S. zoos, and the National Zoo’s success supports a coordinated survival plan aimed at maintaining a genetically healthy population of the species in accredited institutions.
What It Means for Visitors
Han and Solo have begun spending more time outside their den, giving visitors to the National Zoo’s Great Cats exhibit the chance to see the kits play and interact with their parents alongside the exhibit’s other resident carnivores. Admission to the National Zoo remains free, and the zoo has been sharing updates and video of the kits’ progress through its website and social channels.
Explore more: more zoo & aquarium news.
Smithsonian’s National Zoo FAQs
When were the bat-eared fox kits born at the National Zoo?
The two male kits were born in April 2026 to first-time parents Ziggy and Lando.
What are the bat-eared fox kits named?
Zoo keepers named them Han and Solo, announced on August 5, 2026.
Why is this birth significant?
It’s the first bat-eared fox litter born at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in 75 years, since 1951, and supports the national Bat-eared Fox Species Survival Plan.
Get More from Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Smithsonian’s National Zoo, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Photo: Quadell / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.