Fox Wood Newsletter Article…

Fox pups

The most brilliant fox I ever met came in as a pup that was believed to be blind. Everyone including myself felt certain that she could at least see shadows, as she would jump on things, pounce on insects and harass the other pups endlessly . A visit to Animal Eye Specialist Dr. Kimberly Stanz revealed that she was indeed completely blind, not even having pupils. Her other senses were extremely acute, and that was why we all had been led to believe she could see something! The Maine Wildlife Park in York, Maine had contacted me early that spring wanting two Red fox pups for their beautiful new fox exhibit. I told them about the blind fox pup. They were skeptical saying that the enclosure was very large and that a blind fox could never navigate it well.   I assured them that this pup was exceptional and that if they try her out, I would always take her back if she didn’t work out. It was a no-risk situation for them.   We decided to give it a try and the blind fox was sent to Maine, along with a gorgeous male pup with head and spinal injuries that would never be releasable. When the pups arrived, the park officials quickly realized that the blind pup was no ordinary fox and that she would flourish there. During the initial observation period before going into the new enclosure, the keepers became concerned about the male as he seemed withdrawn and they thought that he couldn’t stand on his back legs. I told them he had no problem running and playing here and suggested perhaps he was depressed? Once the pups were allowed into the new enclosure everything changed. The pup they thought was crippled and withdrawn started running, leaping , pouncing and playing . The blind pup very quickly came to know and command her surroundings. No visitors to the park can tell she is blind!   If you are in Maine, please make it a point to Visit the Maine Wildlife Park !