Give Orphaned and Injured Wildlife a Second Chance

The telephone rang at Rockfish Wildlife Sanctuary, and the caller wanted advice. He was worried about some red fox kits he had observed on his property because there was no sign of the mother. Before intervening, the caller wanted to receive guidance from someone with knowledge and experience. Thankfully he called RWS.

 The RWS staffer, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, not only gave the caller guidance and support -- she offered to lend the Sanctuary's "Havahart" traps to safely and humanely catch the kits. The caller accepted and together they made a plan for the rescue.

 The kits were in rough shape when they arrived at the Sanctuary. Some of their siblings had already perished, and the four were dehydrated and malnourished. The kits were given electrolytes, then gradually moved on to fox formula (a formula specifically made for foxes).  At about 5 weeks they were introduced to solid food, which includes puppy food, fruits, veggies, nuts, mice and venison.

Before long the kits were eating on their own and began to grow. At that point they left the nursery and moved outdoors to the fox enclosure. The enclosure is in a wooded setting so that the changing sounds and smells of the forest become familiar to the growing kits.

When orphaned foxes are raised at the Sanctuary, they become long-stay patients because they are not able to be released until they are at least six months old. During this time are provided with bones and toys, hollowed out logs and bales of hay to keep them entertained during their stay. 

The day of the young foxes' release was an exciting and gratifying one for the RWS staff and volunteers. The animals were released on a 500 acre property bordering the George Washington National Forest. A happy ending, brought about by an alert property owner, some skillful wildlife rehabilitators, and a community of supporters who make our work possible. Thank you!