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

Park cites incompatibility with policy, SPCA claims lack of expertise

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The fox is currently being quarantined for rabies and other potential infectious diseases. Photo: Ocean Park

Published: 7:32am, 3 Aug 2017Updated: 7:32am, 3 Aug 2017

The future home of the rare fox found trapped on a Lantau Island trail last month is up in the air as Ocean Park could not keep the animal permanently while an animal rights group declined to take stewardship citing a lack of knowledge and facilities.

The fluffy white creature was identified to be a red fox by specialists at Ocean Park after the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) transferred it there for care and quarantine two weeks ago.

The fox was transferred to Ocean Park two weeks ago. Photo: Ocean Park

In the latest twist, the SPCA said on Facebook on Wednesday night the park had to return the fox to the society. However, the SPCA said it could not shelter the fox as well.

“Genetic testing identified it as a red fox, which does not conform to the park’s animal acquisition policy,” its post read. “The park could no longer take care of the fox also due to manpower problems, and therefore needed to return the fox to us urgently.”

“Unfortunately we do not have any staff equipped with sufficient professional knowledge and experience to take care of the fox. Nor do we have suitable facilities to house it ourselves.”