Red Fox Sneaks Onto Cargo Ship, Travels from England to US; Being Treated at Bronx Zoo
The 11-pound male red fox, estimated to be approximately two years old, somehow managed to slip onto a vessel laden with automobiles before it departed the United Kingdom on February 4. After two weeks at sea, the ship docked on February 18, and the 'sly stowaway' was turned over to zoo officials the following day.
New York, March 13: A young red fox is recovering at the Bronx Zoo after completing an unlikely 3,400-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean. The animal was discovered earlier this week aboard a cargo ship that had traveled from Southampton, England, to the Port of New York and New Jersey. The 11-pound male fox, estimated to be approximately two years old, somehow managed to slip onto a vessel laden with automobiles before it departed the United Kingdom on February 4. After two weeks at sea, the ship docked on February 18, and the "sly stowaway" was turned over to zoo officials the following day.
Upon arrival at the port, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and agriculture specialists coordinated with federal and state wildlife agencies to safely remove the animal. The fox was then transported to the Bronx Zoo’s Animal Health Center for a full evaluation. "He seems to be settling in well," said Keith Lovett, the Bronx Zoo’s director of animal programs. "It’s gone through a lot." Fox Seen Running Across Track During F1 Dutch Grand Prix 2025 Qualifying, Ferrari Star Charles Leclerc Spots Animal (Watch Videos).
Despite the long voyage and the confined nature of the cargo hold, initial examinations indicate the fox is in good health and has a steady appetite. Currently, he is being fed a balanced omnivorous diet of produce, proteins, and specialized nutrient biscuits.
Mystery of the Journey
It remains unclear exactly how or when the fox boarded the ship in Southampton. The Port of Southampton, one of the UK’s busiest hubs for vehicle exports, handles thousands of cars daily, providing numerous hiding spots for a small animal. Bizarre! Fox Enters Field, Urinates Near Bag During Glamorgan vs Middlesex County Championship Division Two 2025 Match at Lord's Cricket Ground (Watch Video).
Port officials in the UK expressed surprise at the event, noting that while they are used to complex cargo, a live fox "booking" a transatlantic crossing is an extreme rarity.
Because the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a species native to both Europe and North America, there are strict biosecurity protocols for animals crossing international borders. The fox will remain in quarantine at the zoo’s veterinary center while further health screenings are completed to ensure he does not carry any foreign diseases.
Once cleared by the veterinary team, the Bronx Zoo will work with wildlife experts to determine a permanent, appropriate home for the animal. Due to the circumstances of his arrival and potential habituation to human environments during the voyage, a return to the wild is unlikely; however, officials aim to find a long-term sanctuary where he can be properly cared for.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 13, 2026 09:21 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).