Stowaway Red Fox Finds New Home At Bronx Zoo After Transatlantic Voyage

NEW YORK CITY — The Bronx Zoo has disclosed that they are now caring for a red fox that stowed away on a cargo ship that traveled from Southampton, England, to New York.

The animal was found by the ship's crew on Feb. 18, according to the zoo. The cargo ship left Southampton two weeks prior.

The 2-year-old male red fox weights about 11 pounds. The animal appears to be in good condition, the zoo said.

The animal's first day at the zoo was on Feb. 19.

The fox is currently in the Animal Health Center at the zoo, where it is under the care of the zoo’s animal and veterinary teams. Veterinarians are awaiting results from additional routine health screening.

Once the veterinary team determines that the fox is healthy, the zoo will work with wildlife experts to identify an appropriate long-term home for the animal.

Red foxes are among the most widespread carnivorous mammals in the world and are found across Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Africa. They are known for their reddish coat and white-tipped bushy tail.