Fox in the Lion City: beast found in Lantau gets new home in Singapore

A fox found eight months ago on Lantau Island finally has a new permanent home as animal rights groups say more must be done to prevent wild animals from coming to the city as pets

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The fox was cared for by Ocean Park for several months. Photo: Ocean Park

Published: 4:21pm, 20 Mar 2018Updated: 5:11pm, 21 Mar 2018

A rare species of fox rescued on Lantau Island last year has found a new home in Singapore, prompting calls from local animal rights groups for Hong Kong to do more to combat the exotic pet trade.

The wild animal, believed to have come to Hong Kong as a pet, was found by hikers on the island in July. Since being found, it had been in the care of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Ocean Park, a wildlife theme park.

Future of rare fox uncertain as Ocean Park and animal rights group decline to take it in

It was flown to Singapore on March 13.

The news was announced in an online video released by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department on Tuesday that showed the furry black-and-white animal feeding.

The fox was found by hikers in Lantau Island. Photo: Ivan Li

“Actually a number of organisations expressed interest in adopting this cute fox. After considering factors such as the husbandry, fox care, experience [and] veterinary support, Wildlife Reserves Singapore is most suitable to be its new home,” the department said.