Four rare Russian foxes have successfully arrived in their new home in San Diego County, overcoming a harrowing journey that included cramped cages, conflict zones, and even a missile attack.
Animal conservationist Amy Bassett, who took on the responsibility of rescuing the foxes, had her heart set on saving them from a research facility in Siberia where they were facing euthanization.
Bassett, the founder of the Judith A. Bassett Canid Education and Conservation Center in Santa Ysabel, promised to be their ‘mama bear’ and provide them with a safe and nurturing environment.
This journey turned out to be a yearlong battle against strict shipping regulations amid U.S.-Russia tensions and the broader repercussions of war.
Despite the unprecedented challenges, including a missile strike near their transport route, Bassett remained determined to bring Alexei, Anya Besha, Lyudmila, and Valentina Maria to their new home just in time for July 4th celebrations.
Bassett explained her commitment, saying, ‘It’s no man gets left behind. We promised these four that we would give them a forever home and a life with purpose.’
The rescue operation took a dramatic turn when the foxes were en route to Qatar from Moscow.
After spending weeks dealing with bureaucratic obstacles, Bassett thought she had secured their passage to California when news broke of missile attacks targeting a U.S. military base near Doha, Qatar.
‘I was just glued to the flight tracker, worried sick about their safety,’ she confessed, as she followed the small dot representing the foxes’ flight.
Fortunately, upon their arrival in Qatar, the foxes were unharmed. However, they faced new challenges as air traffic was halted for safety reasons, leaving them confined in small crates without water.
Bassett quickly sprang into action, advocating for the foxes’ urgent need for care and prompting local authorities to resume flights after a day of waiting.
Finally, their journey continued, and after a couple of days, they landed in Los Angeles, where Bassett was waiting to greet them.
When she first saw them at the airport, they were visibly distressed and underweight.
Due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Bassett had been unable to see the foxes during the prolonged rescue mission, making their distressed appearance all the more heart-wrenching.
The four foxes, bred in Russia to interact well with humans, are known for their gentle nature, unlike the wild, cunning foxes often depicted in stories.
In the weeks since their arrival, the foxes have begun to adjust to their new surroundings, gradually coming out of their shells with the help of Bassett and her team.
‘A couple of weeks in, they’re starting to show their personalities,’ Bassett noted.
As the foxes continue to acclimatize to their new environment, they are receiving plenty of love, treats, and toys.
Bassett has high hopes that once the foxes feel comfortable, they may participate in engagement programs at the conservation center, allowing the public to meet and learn about these remarkable creatures.
‘It’s all about patience and letting them tell us who they want to be,’ she added.
Currently, the conservation center is seeking donations to help build larger enclosures that will better accommodate the needs of the foxes as they settle into their new lives.
With Bassett’s relentless determination and the community’s support, these four Russian foxes have embarked on a promising journey filled with love, freedom, and a future full of potential.
image source from：timesofsandiego
