Bronx, NY, May 22, 2026 — The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo today announced that the red fox rescued in February after being discovered aboard a cargo ship from Southampton, England, is healthy and has completed quarantine where he was successfully treated for a parasite, commonly known as the “French heartworm.”

The male fox, estimated to be about 2 years old, was brought to the Bronx Zoo on February 19 after being discovered as a stowaway aboard a vessel entering the Port of New York and New Jersey. The animal, detected among the ship’s cargo, was secured by United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and then brought to the WCS Bronx Zoo.

Following arrival at the zoo, the red fox — now named Basil — underwent a comprehensive veterinary evaluation at the zoo’s Wildlife Health Center, where he was diagnosed with a parasite commonly known as “French heartworm” (Angiostrongylus vasorum), which is rarely seen in the United States and is more commonly associated with wild foxes and domestic dogs in Europe.

Unlike the heartworm more commonly associated with domestic dogs and cats in the United States, Angiostrongylus vasorum infects the blood vessels of the lungs in wild canids and can cause severe respiratory disease if left untreated.

WCS’s Bronx Zoo veterinarians used a combination of blood testing, fecal examinations, ultrasonography, and advanced molecular diagnostics to detect and identify the parasite. Over the course of approximately one month, Basil received three different types of deworming medications as part of a carefully managed treatment plan.

Following treatment, veterinarians repeated diagnostic testing multiple times to confirm the infection has now been successfully cleared.

Throughout his treatment, Basil showed significant improvement. He gained weight, developed a fuller and shinier coat, and demonstrated strong overall health during follow-up examinations. Veterinary and animal care staff noted a dramatic improvement in his body condition and appearance during his most recent health check. When Basil arrived at the Bronx Zoo, he weighed 11.2 pounds (5.1 kg). He now weighs 13.7 pounds (6.2 kg), a gain of approximately 2.4 pounds (1.1 kg).

“Basil has done exceptionally well since arriving at the Bronx Zoo,” said Craig Piper, interim Director of the Bronx Zoo and Executive Vice President of WCS Zoos and Aquarium. “Treating wildlife like this requires extensive coordination and expertise from our veterinary and animal care teams. We are very pleased with his recovery and continued progress since his long journey across the Atlantic.”

Upon arrival at the zoo, Basil underwent a standard quarantine under the care of zoo veterinarians like all new animals arriving at the zoo. The zoo will assess the most appropriate long-term placement for the red fox now that he has completed quarantine.

The WCS Bronx Zoo regularly works with federal and state agencies to assist wildlife rescued, including animals involved in illegal wildlife trafficking cases.

Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are among the most widespread carnivorous mammals in the world and are found across Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Africa. They are known for their adaptability and can thrive in forests, grasslands, and urban environments.

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The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo
The WCS Bronx Zoo, located on 265 acres of hardwood forest in Bronx, NY, opened on Nov. 8, 1899. It is world-renowned for leadership in animal welfare, husbandry, veterinary care, education, science, and conservation. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is the flagship park of the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which has conservation field projects in more than 55 countries and manages the world’s largest network of urban wildlife parks, including the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, and New York Aquarium.