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One hydrocephalus case changed everything - now we keep going for the ones that come after.​

We believe we’re seeing this condition far too often in fox kits, and there is very limited data available specifically involving Red foxes. These cases are extremely time-sensitive, and securing funds for advanced imaging and medical care is - no exaggeration - our ONLY way to give them a genuine chance at life at all.

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We are in the early stages of building a databank of information on these cases and are on a mission to learn more. Each case is evaluated individually and in real time, beginning with the critically time-sensitive question at hand, “Can we give this individual a legitimate chance at life?” and, as we gather more information, expanding into the bigger picture, “With what we’re learning and the data we’ve now gathered, can we begin to connect the dots and understand why?”

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We believe their lives still have value.

Based on what we currently know about this condition in domestic dogs, we can assume that many of these cases may not ultimately be candidates for release back into the wild - especially considering that animals entering rehabilitation are often already in critical condition.

Still, we do not feel it is fair to close the door on that possibility too early. The severity and effects on the brain can vary greatly, and we have not yet seen what may be possible when less severe cases are given adequate time to recover and receive treatment.

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Even so, for individuals who may never be appropriate candidates for release, our stance is this: If long term care can be managed and quality of life maintained, we do not feel it is morally right to take the gift of life from an animal simply because it cannot return to the wild.

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​Our organization’s philosophy is that the lives of non-releasable wild animals still have value - especially because many of the circumstances that make them non-releasable can ultimately be traced back to human impact. Rather than euthanize simply because an animal cannot fulfill its role in the wild, we believe in giving them a chance at life, provided they are not suffering. At the core of our beliefs, we do not keep animals alive for selfish reasons or to avoid the pain of grief - their quality of life is of utmost priority.

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In many cases - not just with hydrocephalus - we believe that offering this chance at life also means playing our part in taking responsibility for the role humans may have played in their circumstances.

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We recognize that this can be a nuanced topic, as what one facility or individual defines as ethical may differ from another. Not all professionals believe wild animals should be kept permanently in a sanctuary setting, and while we may not share that view, we respect that perspective as well.

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We can only move this work forward as far as your support allows.​

While this condition will often lead to suffering if left untreated, it is commonly managed in domestic dogs, many of whom go on to live full, normal lives with proper management! When a condition can be managed in a way that allows for comfort and quality of life - especially for a young wild animal who knows no different than a life in captivity - we believe these foxes can serve as powerful educational ambassadors in a sanctuary setting. Although euthanasia will still be the most ethical outcome in some severe cases, we are encouraged by what we’ve already learned - and by how well our two current cases are doing!

 

This is a real-time need, and without secured grant funding, every donor dollar truly matters - no contribution is too small.