A fantastic little visitor is making a big impact at the Oregon Zoo this week. A young arctic fox, found wandering in southwest Portland last month, has briefly taken up residence behind the scenes at the zoo before heading to a new home in Wisconsin.
“She’s been very curious and interested in her surroundings,” said Kate Gilmore, who oversees the zoo’s ambassador animal area. “She spent the weekend hopping over logs, foraging for her diet and practicing being a fox! We’re glad we can provide care and enrichment for her until she’s ready for her next chapter.”
The young fox, weighing about 6½ pounds with snowy white fur, arrived at the zoo Friday, Nov. 8, from the Bird Alliance of Oregon, which had been caring for her since mid-October. Staff there determined she had been kept as a pet, which is illegal in Oregon. Because of her upbringing, she would not be able to survive in the wild.
Though not much is known about the fox’s past, wildlife groups are working together to ensure she has a bright future. On Thursday, Nov. 14, she will move to a new home at Ochsner Park Zoo in Baraboo, Wisconsin, joining a male fox named Apollo.
