Wild fox in Antwerp Zoo finally caught after year, but animal dies in shelter (Antwerp)
The fox was born months ago — © Het Nieuwsblad
The wild fox that has been roaming around at night in the Antwerp Zoo for a year, was intercepted on Friday evening by a caretaker. The animal was sent to the Wildlife Center to release it back into the wild, but died there.
Since November last year, the Antwerp zoo has been visited by a hungry fox at night. “The animal had the most special aim at the traditional fries and hamburgers in the garbage cans, but a sporadic pigeon also became prey”, spokeswoman Ilse Segers says.
Last summer, the Zoo came up with a specific fox plan to protect, among other things, penguins, flamingos and young coypu. “Every little hole where a fox could enter our zoo, sealed. For example, we have made the Zoo completely ‘fox-proof’. With the capture of the fox, the flamingos and coypu can breathe a sigh of relief.”
The animal often popped up on nighttime CCTV footage as it roamed in search of treats, but was never caught. During the day, he shelters mainly in the vicinity of the Jubilee complex, which is currently empty due to work.
Bad response to anesthesia
On Christmas Eve, the fox could finally be intercepted. “A park keeper managed to herd the fox into a small stall near the alpacas. There he was able to secure and stun the fox,” says Segers.
The fox was directed to a conservation center in Opglabbeek for release, but died shortly after his arrival. “The animal probably has a bad scar on the anaesthetic,” Segers explains. “We are very sorry, but this can always happen. Nobody has a problem with this.”