On 12/3, the Bronx Zoo announced that customs officials at New York port discovered a red fox, estimated to be around two years old, aboard a cargo ship arriving from Southampton, England, on 18/2.

The fox had embarked on the oto-laden vessel, which departed on 4/2, traversing approximately 6,000 km across the Atlantic Ocean. Following its arrival, the animal was transported to the zoo for a health examination. American media humorously dubbed the incident, referring to the fox as a "stowaway gentleman" and remarking on the "cunning" nature of foxes.

"It appears to be adapting quite well", said Keith Lovett, the zoo's animal program director. The fox, weighing 5 kg, was found to be in good health after its examination.

The red fox at the Bronx Zoo in New York on 19/2. Photo: Bronx Zoo

The zoo plans to find a new home for the animal once it receives a clean bill of health. A representative for the zoo stated, "The Bronx Zoo regularly collaborates with officials to assist in wildlife rescues."

Red foxes are one of the most widespread carnivorous mammals globally, inhabiting Europe, Asia, and North America, as well as parts of Africa.

There are tens of thousands of urban foxes in England. They have been a fixture of the urban landscape since the 1930s, when urbanization expanded into the rural areas where they typically resided.

Hong Hanh (reporting by AFP, AP)