Stowaway Fox Travels from England to New York

A red fox that sneaked onto a cargo ship off the coast of Southampton has successfully made it thousands of miles across the Atlantic and is now in the care of the Bronx Zoo in New York. The zoo said on Wednesday that the fox, a two-year-old male weighing roughly 11lb (5kg), is currently in the Animal Health Center with animal and veterinary teams.

The fox was detected among the ship's cargo by US officials at the Port of New York and New Jersey, and was brought to the Bronx Zoo on February 20. It remains unclear how the animal managed to gain access to the ship while it was docked at the English port city. According to AP News, the cargo ship left Southampton on February 4 and arrived in New York on February 18.

Initial examinations suggested the fox appeared to be in good health, with additional results from a separate routine health screening pending. 'He seems to be settling in well,' Keith Lovett, the zoo's director of animal programs, told AP News. 'It's gone through a lot.' The Bronx Zoo is working with wildlife experts to identify an appropriate long-term home for the fox once it clears further health screenings.

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is among the most widespread carnivorous mammals in the world, known for their reddish coat and white-tipped bushy tail. They are found across Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Africa. The species' remarkable adaptability allows them to thrive in environments ranging from forests and grasslands to urban areas.

The fox's diet at the zoo includes produce, proteins, and some biscuit-like items, as reported by NY Post. This varied diet reflects the omnivorous nature of red foxes. The zoo's veterinary center is providing the necessary care and monitoring for the fox during its stay.