Last July, a rare species of fox was rescued on Hong Kong’s Lantau Island. Discovered by hikers on the island, the unhurt wild animal was believed to have arrived in Hong Kong as a pet. Since then, it has been cared for by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and housed at wildlife theme park Ocean Park for quarantine.
On March 13, the black-and-white creature was brought to Singapore and handed over to Wildlife Reserves Singapore — which manages Singapore Zoo, River Safari, Night Safari, and Jurong Bird Park — South China Morning Post noted.
Hong Kong’s Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department explained its decision by stating that Wildlife Reserves Singapore was “most suitable to be its new home”, after “considering factors such as the husbandry, fox care, experience [and] veterinary support”.
Ocean Park also revealed that it didn’t have the manpower to give the fox a permanent home, but said that it gained 4kg and was in good health before its departure.
According to the department, the fox settled into its new home without any hiccups, but this case has sparked off calls from animal rights groups in Hong Kong for the country to be more active in fighting against the illegal wildlife trade.
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