A male red fox has been discovered aboard a cargo ship that travelled from Southampton, Hampshire, to New York, according to officials at the Bronx Zoo. The animal, nicknamed a 'sly stowaway', made the 3,400-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean.
The fox was found after the vessel docked at the Port of New York and New Jersey on 18 February, having left Southampton on 4 February. It is unclear how the fox boarded the ship, which had been transporting cars.
US Customs and Border Protection officers discovered the animal and coordinated with wildlife agencies to find it a new home at the Bronx Zoo. The fox, estimated to be two years old and weighing 5kg, was brought to the zoo the following day.
Keith Lovett, the zoo's director of animal programmes, said the fox 'seems to be settling in well' and appears healthy after early examinations. The animal is currently being cared for at the zoo's veterinary centre, with a diet of produce, proteins and biscuit-like items.
A long-term home for the fox will be found after additional health checks. The red fox species, Vulpes vulpes, is widespread in Europe, Asia, North America and parts of Africa.
