The Richmond Wildlife Center in Virginia takes their role in rehabilitating wildlife very seriously. So seriously in fact, that they will dress up as the animals they are caring for so as to minimize human exposure. Recently, they shared a video of such an occasion when they fed an orphaned fox kit.
They explained, “It’s important to make sure that the orphans that are raised in captivity do not become imprinted upon or habituated to humans. To prevent that, we minimize human sounds, create visual barriers, reduce handling, reduce multiple transfers amongst different facilities, and wear masks for the species.”
It may look highly unusual to the viewer, but it makes sense in caring for wild animals. In the video, Executive Director Melissa Stanley wears a red fox mask and gloves as she gently feeds the kit milk from a syringe. The baby fox also has a large stuffed animal fox next to her for additional comfort and warmth.
The center noted that the kit was found in February by a man walking his dog. The kit was brought to the Center and is “progressing well.” Their end goal is always to release animals back into the wild with the greatest chance of survival.
Executive Director Melissa Stanley explains more about the process in the video below:
In addition to providing special feedings for this female fox kit, the group says they are working to locate other fox kits her age so they can unite them. “We were able to locate fox kits of the same age and weight as ours and are working to determine what is in the best interest of the foxes,” the group wrote on their Facebook page. “If they should be transferred to us, or if we should transfer ours to them. Either way, it’s in the best interest of this Fox to get it with other foxes her own age.”
To support an animal, you can donate to the Richmond Wildlife Center directly on their website at: www.richmondwildlifecenter.org
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