Trinity College Dublin has congratulated its "unofficial mascot" Sam the Fox on the birth of her cubs.
Staff at the university took to leaving food out for the animal during the first lockdown last Spring, as scraps from cafes around the city became scarce.
Exciting news we've all been waiting on... the fox cubs have arrived, five we think. Congrats #TrinityFox🦊 Sam & Prince 🎉🥳🎊. Huge thank you to student, Michael Gilna for sharing this amazing video with us. pic.twitter.com/XGiGa92bQ8
— Trinity College Dublin (@tcddublin) April 20, 2021
Sam was spotted in recent months with another fox named Prince and the pair have welcomed five cubs to their skulk.
Love Blossomed
Trinity Zoologist Collie Ennis says: "A few months ago, she formed a relationship with a fox called Prince who is a very handsome dog fox who arrived on to campus.
"That love blossomed and now we found out during the week we have five beautiful little cubs who are bouncing around the provost garden on campus so it is a wonderful occasion and we are all very, very happy to have these little bundles of joy on-campus."
Joy
He says the good news has really their spirits after a very tough year: "It has been quite difficult for us all on-campus I suppose with lockdown and the comings and goings of campus life being put on pause.
"No Trinity Ball, no regular lectures, just the normal to and fro of life has been put on pause – but the great thing has been watching Sam and Prince knocking around the campus.
"It has really livened things up and given people a little bit of joy."
The university has requested all staff and students to respect the new parents' privacy.
They advise to keep plenty of distance if you come across the bushy-tailed family.
