A red fox has arrived at New York’s Bronx Zoo following an unexpected transatlantic voyage aboard a cargo vessel that departed from Southampton.
The animal, described as a “sly stowaway” by US Customs and Border Protection officials, was discovered among the ship’s freight when it reached the Port of New York and New Jersey.
American port officers identified the unexpected passenger and coordinated with multiple agencies including the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service to arrange appropriate care.
The fox is currently being looked after at the zoo’s Animal Health Center, where veterinary staff and animal care teams are monitoring his condition.
Zoo officials confirmed on Wednesday that the animal would remain under observation whilst experts determine a suitable permanent home.
The vessel, which was transporting automobiles, set sail from the Hampshire port on 4 February and completed its crossing to the American east coast a fortnight later on 18 February.
How the fox managed to board the ship whilst it was docked at Southampton remains unclear, with zoo representatives stating they are still awaiting further details from government agencies.
The animal was transferred to the Bronx Zoo the following day, on 19 February, after officials successfully captured him without incident.
The fox made the transatlantic voyage
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BRONX ZOO
Diane J Sabatino, executive assistant commissioner at the US Customs and Border Protection Department, announced the discovery on X, noting that agriculture specialists had worked alongside New Jersey Fish and Wildlife to secure appropriate accommodation for the unexpected traveller.
Keith Lovett, the zoo’s director of animal programmes, told the Associated Press: “He seems to be settling in well. It’s gone through a lot.”
Initial assessments indicate the fox is in good health, though results from additional routine screenings are still pending.
The male red fox is believed to be approximately two years old and weighs around 11lb, or 5kg.
The New York zoo is taking care of the fox
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Once veterinary staff confirm he has a clean bill of health, the zoo will collaborate with wildlife specialists to identify an appropriate permanent residence.
The animal is currently enjoying meals consisting of produce, proteins and biscuit-like items at the veterinary facility.
The Bronx Zoo regularly assists authorities in caring for wildlife that arrives unexpectedly through nearby ports and airports.
A spokesperson for Associated British Ports Southampton offered a lighthearted response to the unusual incident, saying: “The Port of Southampton handles everything from cars to containers to cruises, but even we were surprised to find a fox had booked itself a transatlantic crossing.”
The zoo is one of New York’s most popular tourist destinations
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The spokesman added: “Clearly it fancied swapping the Solent for the Staten Island Ferry. Though next time we’d recommend it considers the Queen Mary 2, which offers the Southampton to New York route with considerably more comfort!”
Red foxes, known scientifically as Vulpes vulpes, rank among the world’s most widely distributed carnivorous mammals.
Recognisable by their distinctive reddish fur and white-tipped bushy tails, these adaptable creatures inhabit regions spanning Europe, Asia, North America and parts of Africa.
Their diet ranges from fruits to rodents, enabling them to flourish in diverse settings from woodlands to city streets.