Stowaway Fox Gets Clean Bill of Health and a Name: Basil (Like ‘Dazzle’)

May 22, 2026 - 08:20

A young fox that sneaked onto a cargo ship in England and ended up in New York has finally been given a clean bill of health. After spending months in quarantine at the Bronx Zoo, the animal is now free from any diseases and has been officially named Basil.

The name is a playful twist on the word "dazzle," meant to reflect the fox's bright and clever nature. Zoo officials said the fox was likely just a few months old when it boarded the ship last year. It was discovered by crew members after the vessel docked in New York, and authorities quickly moved the animal to the zoo for observation.

During its time in quarantine, the fox underwent a series of medical tests to check for rabies and other illnesses that could pose a risk to local wildlife. All results came back negative. Now that the animal is healthy, the zoo is working with wildlife agencies to find a permanent home. Because the fox is not native to North America, it cannot be released into the wild.

For now, Basil is staying in a private enclosure at the zoo, away from public view. Officials say the fox is adjusting well and eating a diet of meat and vegetables. They hope to transfer it to a sanctuary that specializes in non-native species.