Red Fox Stows Away on Cargo Ship from England to US

The 11-pound male fox is now in the care of the Bronx Zoo after being discovered on the ship's arrival in New York.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 5:35pm

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

Why it matters

The discovery of a stowaway red fox on a cargo ship highlights the potential for unexpected wildlife encounters during international shipping and the importance of proper protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animal and the public.

The details

The cargo ship left Southampton, England on February 4 and arrived at the Port of New York and New Jersey on February 18. The ship's crew discovered the fox while traveling, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection brought the animal to the Bronx Zoo the next day. The zoo estimates the fox is around 2 years old and is an omnivore, so he is being fed a diet of produce, proteins, and biscuit-like items.

  • The cargo ship left Southampton, England on February 4, 2026.
  • The ship arrived at the Port of New York and New Jersey on February 18, 2026.
  • The ship's crew discovered the fox while traveling to New York.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection brought the fox to the Bronx Zoo on February 19, 2026.

The players

Bronx Zoo

A zoo located in Bronx, New York that is now caring for the stowaway red fox.

Keith Lovett

The director of animal programs at the Bronx Zoo.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

The federal agency that brought the fox to the Bronx Zoo after it was discovered on the cargo ship.

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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 monitoring the fox's health and behavior as it determines a long-term home for the animal.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the potential for unexpected wildlife encounters during international shipping and the importance of having proper protocols in place to ensure the safety and well-being of both animals and the public.