Fox Gets Rescued By Family-Run Farm And Forms Inseparable Bond With The Family’s Little Daughter

In Australia, foxes pose a threat to biodiversity by hunting and killing native wildlife, so the Rural Lands Protection Act of 1998 makes it illegal to keep, supply, or release them. Due to this rule, foxes only have two options: either they are left where they were found or they are put to death. Fortunately, a fox named Fergie was saved because she was mistaken for a puppy and brought to the wildlife caretaker. At the sanctuary, Fergie formed a strong bond with an 11-year-old girl, and together, they wrote their own fairy tale.

Source: Greener Pastures Sanctuary

Meet Fergie, a rescue fox, and Phoenix, an 11-year-old girl who quickly became close friends.

Source: Greener Pastures Sanctuary

Rachael, CEO of Greener Pastures Sanctuary in Perth, Australia, shared with Bored Panda: “Phoenix is my 11-year-old daughter; she and Fergie have had an incredible bond since day 1! She gets so excited to see her each day and trusts Phoenix 100%; she’s the only one she allows to carry her around.”

Foxes in Australia would not be given a shot at a healthy and happy life, but some miracles do happen.

Source: Greener Pastures Sanctuary

Even though foxes are considered wild animals, there are exceptions in enclosed nations like Australia. “Foxes in Australia are a declared pest animal and it’s actually illegal to move them, keep them without a permit or provide them with veterinary attention.”

“According to the law, Fergie should have been either left where she was or euthanized. Thankfully the person who found her didn’t even know she was a fox and took her to a wildlife carer who then contacted us,” shared Rachael.

Source: Greener Pastures Sanctuary

Racheal took the fox into her care and placed her in a family-run farm animal sanctuary that she established in order to save Fergie. “Our laws prevent any movement of a fox, meaning she would be left to die. Many injured foxes also suffer the same fate, not even afforded the kindness of being taken to a vet to be humanely euthanized,” Rachael wrote. “We hate keeping animals in captivity but sadly it was the best of 2 options.”

Source: Greener Pastures Sanctuary

“We try really hard to keep their living space interesting (she has a friend called Toby who was also found orphaned). We spend time with them and provide them with enrichment. We’d love to improve and expand their enclosure one day soon… We were unfortunately hit incredibly hard with huge vet bills last year so will need to get on top of those first,” Rachael wrote.