Sly fox sneaks on to cargo ship in Southampton and arrives in New York

March 12, 2026

A two-year-old male red fox accidentally stowed away on a cargo vessel departing from Southampton, England, and traveled across the Atlantic Ocean to New York. US port authorities discovered the animal among the ship's cargo when it arrived at the Port of New York and New Jersey on February 19th, and it was subsequently transferred to the Bronx Zoo's Animal Health Center. Initial veterinary assessments indicate the fox appears healthy, though additional screening results are still awaited.

Who is affected

A two-year-old male red fox weighing approximately 11 pounds
The Bronx Zoo's animal and veterinary teams
US port officials at the Port of New York and New Jersey
Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton

What action is being taken

The fox is currently being cared for in the Bronx Zoo's Animal Health Center
The veterinary team is conducting health screenings and examinations
Additional routine health screening results are pending

Why it matters

This incident demonstrates the red fox's remarkable adaptability as one of the world's most widespread carnivorous mammals, capable of surviving extreme situations including an unplanned transatlantic voyage. The event highlights the challenges of port security and biosecurity when animals can inadvertently gain access to international cargo vessels. The fox's survival also underscores the species' resilience and ability to thrive in diverse environments, from their natural habitats across multiple continents to unexpected circumstances like this ocean crossing.

What's next

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

Read full article from source: BBC