Bronx, NY, March 11, 2026 — The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo is caring for a red fox, a male estimated at 2 years of age, that was discovered as a stowaway aboard a ship arriving at the Port of New York and New Jersey from Southampton, England. The animal was detected among the ship’s cargo and safely secured by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

CBP coordinated with government wildlife officials to ensure the fox, which weighs about 11 pounds, was rescued and brought to the Bronx Zoo on February 19.

The Bronx Zoo regularly works with officials to help rescue wildlife that is illegally trafficked through nearby ports and airports. In this case, the Bronx Zoo was able to assist with the stowaway red fox discovered aboard a vessel entering a local port.

The fox is currently in the Animal Health Center at the Bronx Zoo, where it is under the care of the zoo’s animal and veterinary teams. Initial examinations indicate that the fox appears to be in good condition. Veterinarians are awaiting results from additional routine health screening.

Once the veterinary team determines that the fox is healthy, the zoo will work with wildlife experts to identify an appropriate long-term home for the animal.

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are among the most widespread carnivorous mammals in the world and are found across Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Africa. They are known for their reddish coat, white-tipped bushy tail, and remarkable adaptability, allowing them to thrive in environments ranging from forests and grasslands to urban areas. Their diet is highly flexible and can include rodents, birds, insects, fruit, and other available food sources.