NEW YORK (AP) — In an extraordinary twist of nature-meets-maritime, a red fox managed to stow away on a cargo ship traveling from Southampton, England, to New York. The cunning creature is now under the care of the Bronx Zoo.
Weighing in at 11 pounds (approximately 5 kilograms), the male fox was given a clean bill of health following initial examinations, the zoo reported on Wednesday.
“He seems to be settling in well,” said Keith Lovett, director of animal programs at the zoo, during a phone interview. “This little guy has been through quite an ordeal.”
The mystery of how the fox found its way onto a vessel loaded with automobiles remains unsolved. The ship departed from Southampton on February 4th and docked at the Port of New York and New Jersey on February 18th. The fox was brought to the zoo the following day, with experts estimating his age to be around two years old.
While zoo officials are uncertain about the precise moment and method of the fox’s discovery, inquiries have been directed to government agencies associated with the port for further details.
Zoo representatives weren’t sure how and when the fox was discovered. Messages seeking those details were sent to government agencies involved with the port.
The species, formally named Vulpes vulpes, is widespread in Europe, Asia, North America and parts of Africa. A long-term home for this fox will be found once he clears some more health screening.
For now, he’s in the zoo’s veterinary center. Being an omnivore, he’s getting a diet of produce, proteins and some biscuit-like items.
