Red Fox Stows Away on Cargo Ship from England to New York

The 11-pound male fox is now in the care of the Bronx Zoo after arriving in the U.S.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 10:36pm

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A red fox somehow slipped onto a cargo ship traveling from Southampton, England, to New York, where the animal is now in the Bronx Zoo's care. The zoo said the 11-pound male fox appears healthy after early examinations and is settling in well, though it's unclear how the fox got on the ship full of automobiles that left Southampton on February 4 and arrived at the Port of New York and New Jersey on February 18.

Why it matters

The stowaway incident highlights the potential risks and challenges associated with cargo transportation, as well as the resourcefulness and adaptability of wildlife. The safe recovery and care of the fox also showcase the important role zoos play in protecting and rehabilitating animals in distress.

The details

The red fox, formally named Vulpes vulpes, is a widespread species found in Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Africa. Zoo representatives were not sure how or when the fox was discovered on the cargo ship. The fox is estimated to be 2 years old and is currently being housed in the zoo's veterinary center, where he is being fed a diet of produce, proteins, and biscuit-like items as an omnivore.

  • The cargo ship left Southampton, England, on February 4, 2026.
  • The cargo ship arrived at the Port of New York and New Jersey on February 18, 2026.
  • The fox was brought to the Bronx Zoo the day after the ship's arrival, on February 19, 2026.

The players

Bronx Zoo

A zoo located in Bronx, New York, that is caring for the red fox stowaway and conducting health screenings to find a long-term home for the animal.

Keith Lovett

The director of animal programs at the Bronx Zoo, who stated that the fox appears healthy and is settling in well at the zoo's veterinary center.

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What they’re saying

“He seems to be settling in well. It's gone through a lot.”

— Keith Lovett, Director of Animal Programs, Bronx Zoo

What’s next

The Bronx Zoo will continue to monitor the fox's health and behavior as it undergoes further screening to determine a suitable long-term home for the animal.

The takeaway

This unusual stowaway incident highlights the resourcefulness of wildlife and the important role zoos play in caring for and rehabilitating animals in distress, even those that arrive in unexpected ways.