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Fox found aboard cargo ship after transatlantic journey
A red fox that secretly boarded a cargo vessel in Southampton has traveled thousands of miles across the Atlantic and is now under care at the Bronx Zoo in New York.
Discovery and arrival in the US
US officials detected the animal among the ship's cargo at the Port of New York and New Jersey. The two-year-old male fox, weighing approximately 11 pounds (5 kilograms), was transferred to the Bronx Zoo on 19 February.
Zoo representatives stated the fox is currently housed in the Animal Health Center, where veterinary and animal care teams are monitoring its condition.
Health assessment and future plans
According to the zoo's press release, initial examinations indicate the fox appears healthy, though results from additional routine health screenings are still pending.
"Once the veterinary team confirms the fox is in good health, we will collaborate with wildlife experts to find a suitable long-term home," the zoo said.
Keith Lovett, the zoo's director of animal programs, told the Associated Press the animal "seems to be settling in well" despite its unusual journey.
How the fox boarded the ship remains unclear
Officials have not determined how the fox gained access to the vessel while it was docked in Southampton. A spokesperson for Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton remarked on the incident with humor:
"The Port of Southampton manages everything from cars to containers to cruise ships, but even we were surprised to find a fox had booked itself a transatlantic trip. Clearly, it preferred the Staten Island Ferry over the Solent-though next time, we'd suggest the Queen Mary 2 for a more comfortable crossing!"
About red foxes
The Bronx Zoo noted that red foxes are among the most widely distributed carnivorous mammals globally. Recognizable by their reddish fur and bushy white-tipped tails, they inhabit diverse environments across Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Africa.
Their adaptability allows them to thrive in forests, grasslands, and even urban areas, where they feed on a varied diet including fruits and rodents.
