Red Fox Survives 14-Day Transatlantic Voyage as Stowaway on Cargo Ship
A small red fox secretly traveled aboard a cargo ship from England to New York over the course of two weeks and arrived in good health, according to the Bronx Zoo.
The Discovery
The Bronx Zoo said a red fox stowed away on a cargo ship that departed Southampton, England, on Feb. 4 and arrived at the Port of New York and New Jersey on Feb. 18. The vessel had been transporting automobiles.
Officials do not know how the fox got onto the ship or at what point during the 14-day journey it was discovered. Did it wander aboard while the ship was being loaded, or find a hiding spot among the cars? Those questions remain unanswered.
Upon the ship’s arrival, officers with U.S. Customs and Border Protection captured the animal. The fox was transferred to the Bronx Zoo the following day, Feb. 19.
A spokesperson for Customs and Border Protection told New York Post, “CBP routinely works with our federal and state wildlife protection partners to protect regulated wildlife and is pleased to place this ‘stowaway’ in the Bronx Zoo’s care.”
The Fox’s Condition
The fox is an approximately 11-pound male estimated to be about 2 years old. Early veterinary examinations found that the animal appears healthy.
Keith Lovett, the zoo’s director of animal programs, told the Associated Press, “He seems to be settling in well.”
Lovett added, “It’s gone through a lot.”
Fourteen days at sea, in unfamiliar surroundings, with no natural food sources or companionship — it’s remarkable that this young fox made it through the journey in good condition. The fact that he is settling in speaks to both the resilience of the animal and the quality of care he is now receiving.
The fox is currently being monitored and treated at the zoo’s Animal Health Center. Preliminary evaluations indicate the animal is in good condition.
While under veterinary care, the fox is being fed a diet that includes produce, proteins and biscuit-like items suitable for an omnivorous species. Red foxes are natural omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals.
What Happens Next
Zoo officials said the fox has not yet been named. A long-term placement will be determined once veterinary screenings are complete.
The zoo has said it will work to identify an “appropriate long-term home for the animal.” Whether he ends up staying at the Bronx Zoo or is placed in another facility suited to his needs, the priority is making sure he is fully healthy first.
For now, the fox is in good care at one of the most well-known zoos in the country.
Red foxes, scientifically known as Vulpes vulpes, are found across Europe, Asia, North America and parts of Africa. That makes them one of the most widespread carnivore species on the planet.
This particular fox traveled thousands of miles across the ocean — only to arrive in a place where members of his own species already live. Wild populations of red foxes also live in parts of New York City, including the Bronx and Staten Island.
Red foxes are highly adaptable animals. Their ability to thrive in environments ranging from rural countryside to busy urban neighborhoods is part of what makes them such a successful species across multiple continents.
A Remarkable Survival Story
This fox didn’t choose to board a cargo ship. He didn’t know he was crossing an ocean. But he survived, and now he is being cared for by people whose job it is to look after animals like him.
How did the fox survive without food or fresh water for so long? What was it like for the crew members who discovered him? What will his permanent home look like? Some of those questions have answers, and some don’t — at least not yet.
What we do know is that an approximately 2-year-old, 11-pound red fox made an unexpected transatlantic journey from Southampton, England, to the Port of New York and New Jersey, and he came through it in good health.
As Lovett put it simply: “It’s gone through a lot.”
Now, this little stowaway is getting the care and attention he deserves.
Production of this article included the use of AI. It was reviewed and edited by a team of content specialists.
