ICYMI: California Gray Fox BEATS ODDS—Released After Epic 5-Month Recovery from Fire!
A gray fox, scorched by a fire, stuns with a triumphant return to the wild after intensive care at the San Diego Humane Society. 🌐 #News #RamonaCA #California #Lifestyle
RAMONA, CA — Excitement in Ramona, California last week, as a gray fox that endured the devastating Airport Fire in Orange County was released back into its natural habitat. The release, timed perfectly with World Wildlife Day, marked the end of a five-month journey of recovery for the animal. The San Diego Humane Society shared footage of the fox’s return to the wild on March 2, near the location where it was first found.
The fox’s ordeal began on September 20, 2024, when the California Department of Fish and Wildlife pulled it from the flames of the Airport Fire.
Suffering from severe injuries, the animal was quickly transferred to the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Campus for urgent care. With second- and third-degree burns covering all four paws, the fox faced a grueling road to recovery, having lost several digits, nails, and paw pads.
Intensive Care and Innovative Treatments
The Project Wildlife medical team worked tirelessly, providing daily treatments to give the fox a fighting chance. Pain therapy and a balanced diet played key roles in its healing process. The team also employed creative solutions, including three sessions of fluorescent light therapy, generously donated by local veterinarian Todd Cecil.
Alongside specialized care and enrichment, these efforts helped the fox’s wounds mend over time.
As recovery progressed, the fox was moved from an indoor hospital to an outdoor enclosure. This shift allowed the rehabilitation team to prepare it for life back in the wild. Remote trail cameras captured the animal’s improving condition, showing it climbing and jumping with skill—clear signs it was ready to return home.
A Fire’s Lasting Impact
The Airport Fire, which raged through Southern California’s Santa Ana Mountains in September and October 2024, scorched 23,526 acres and destroyed more than 100 structures.
Amid the destruction, the gray fox’s survival and release stand out as a rare positive outcome. After months of dedicated care, the San Diego Humane Society celebrated the animal’s return to Orange County, a fitting close to its long rehabilitation.
A Moment for Reflection
The tireless efforts of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the San Diego Humane Society, and veterinarian Todd Cecil deserve recognition for giving this gray fox a second chance after the Airport Fire’s destruction. Communities across Orange County and beyond rallied around this story, showing the strength of collective care for wildlife in the face of adversity. For readers, this fox’s journey offers a spark of optimism—proof that dedication and ingenuity can heal even the deepest wounds. — Jack and Kitty Norton, Founders and Editors
RELATED TOPICS: Animals | California | Heartwarming News
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