A crafty stowaway recently made an unexpected and unusual international journey. A red fox managed to sneak aboard a cargo ship traveling from Southampton, England, to New York, and is now being cared for at the Bronx Zoo.
According to zoo officials, the male fox weighs about 11 pounds (5 kilograms) and appears to be in good health following initial examinations.
Keith Lovett, the zoo’s director of animal programmes, shared that the animal is gradually adjusting after what must have been a stressful experience, reports AP-UNB from New York.
Exactly how the fox boarded the ship remains unknown. The vessel, which was transporting automobiles, departed Southampton on 4 February.
Crew members discovered the animal during the voyage before the ship reached the Port of New York and New Jersey on 18 February. The fox was then handed over to zoo officials the following day. Experts estimate he is around two years old.
The red fox, scientifically known as Vulpes vulpes, is a widely distributed species found across Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Africa.
For now, the fox is staying in the zoo’s veterinary facility, where he is being monitored and cared for.
As an omnivore, his diet currently includes fruits, vegetables, protein sources, and specially prepared biscuit-like food. A permanent home will be arranged once he completes further health evaluations.
