A male red fox has been discovered as a stowaway on a cargo ship that travelled from Southampton to New York, according to officials at the Bronx Zoo. The zoo, which is now caring for the animal, reported that it appears healthy after initial examinations.
The fox boarded the vessel, which was transporting cars, in Southampton, Hampshire, on 4 February. The ship docked at the Port of New York and New Jersey on 18 February, having completed a 3,400-mile journey across the Atlantic. It remains unclear how the fox managed to get on board.
US Customs and Border Protection officers found the “sly stowaway” and coordinated with wildlife agencies to place the fox at the Bronx Zoo. The animal, estimated to be two years old and weighing 5kg (11lbs), was brought to the zoo the following day.
Keith Lovett, the zoo’s director of animal programmes, said: “He seems to be settling in well. It’s gone through a lot.” The fox is currently being fed a diet of produce, proteins and biscuit-like items at the zoo’s veterinary centre. A long-term home will be found after additional health checks.
The red fox, formally known as Vulpes vulpes, is a species widespread across Europe, Asia, North America and parts of Africa.
