This summer WRC admitted three Red Fox kits that were from different litters, but were roughly the same age. They were each missing fur and had large patches of scabby skin indicative of mange.
Fox kits develop complex social dynamics within their litters. When placed in a shared enclosure, the trio immediately began the process of finding theirs. Senior CVT Ashley Holte noticed how the strongest of the three was very protective of his new friends, and would stand guard when staff came into the room. It didn't take long before these three were inseparable.
We can cure mange, but the treatment is intensive.
Mange depletes the body so severely that animals with advanced cases are literally starving to death. This leads to life-threatening anemia, requiring emergency blood transfusions. Thankfully, we were able to find blood matches in some unsung K-9 heroes! Nessie and Hank, two beloved staff pets, provided donor blood that allowed the kits to recover.
After several weeks of playing, eating and healing, the three young foxes was released together in a wide-open meadow. Their shared bond was on full display when the first one to leave the carrier patiently waited for his nervous friends to follow. All three bounded away together into their new life.
We currently have another group of mangy kits fighting hard for their lives in our care. Will you sponsor their medical care?
