13.03.2026 21:12
A red fox that secretly boarded a cargo ship departing from Southampton, England, appeared in New York after a journey of 5,500 kilometers. The fox, whose method of boarding the car-carrying ship remains unclear, was noticed during inspections after the ship docked. The fox was taken to the Bronx Zoo by authorities and placed under veterinary care.
A red fox that secretly boarded a cargo ship from England to the U.S. was found in New York after a journey of approximately 3,400 miles (5,400 kilometers). The unexpected passenger was taken off the ship by authorities and sent to the Bronx Zoo. The "stowaway" was placed under veterinary care.
FOUND ON THE CARGO SHIP
According to officials, the fox was discovered on a cargo ship carrying cars that departed from Southampton, England. According to reports from the Associated Press and The Guardian, the ship left England on February 4 and arrived at the New York–New Jersey Port on February 18.
During inspections after the ship docked, the red fox was noticed, but it was unclear how it had boarded the vessel.
AUTHORITIES TOOK ACTION
After the fox was found, port authorities reported the situation to the relevant agencies. Diane J. Sabatino, the deputy director of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, announced on her social media account that officials had detected the "sneaky stowaway."
To ensure the safe transport of the fox, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife also became involved in the process.
UNDERGOING TREATMENT AT THE BRONX ZOO
The fox was then taken to the Bronx Zoo and placed under supervision at the veterinary center. Zoo officials estimate that the male fox is about two years old and weighs 5 kilograms.
Keith Lovett, the director of animal programs, stated to the Associated Press that the fox's health condition is good, saying, "It seems to be settling in well. It has been through a lot."
SPECIAL DIET BEING IMPLEMENTED
The fox, currently held at the zoo's veterinary center, is being fed a diet that includes vegetables, protein, and special biscuit-style foods by the caretakers. After completing additional health checks, plans are in place to determine a permanent living space for the animal.
ONE OF THE MOST COMMON FOX SPECIES IN THE WORLD
The red fox, scientifically known as Vulpes vulpes, is known as one of the fox species with the widest distribution in the world, living in parts of Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa.