The fennec fox is one of nature’s most charming creatures, known for its oversized ears and playful personality. Native to the deserts of North Africa, this tiny fox has captured hearts worldwide.

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Zoo announced one of their beloved animals died. Noelle, a fennec fox, died at the age of 12, the Phoenix Zoo said in an Instagram post on Jan. 7.

Weighing in at around 1kg, the fennec fox is the smallest of all the foxes. As a resident across the Sahara desert and other parts of North Africa the fennec’s long hairs may seem a bit out of ...