A red fox that stowed away on a cargo ship from England spent months in Bronx Zoo quarantine after arriving in New York. The male fox, estimated to be 2 years old, required treatment for a potentially fatal parasite common in European foxes but rare in the US. This extended his stay beyond initial expectations and highlighted the zoo's role in managing exotic wildlife arrivals.

The fox received three types of deworming medicine for French heartworm, a condition that could cause severe respiratory disease if untreated. Zoo officials noted this parasite was diagnosed during a comprehensive veterinary evaluation, requiring multiple rounds of testing to confirm the infection had been cleared. The treatment represented significant veterinary resources for the zoo.

After gaining nearly 3 pounds and developing a fuller coat during treatment, the fox was named Basil and declared fully healthy. The zoo's interim director, Craig Piper, explained that staff gave the fox his moniker during the extended quarantine, and "it stuck with him." Officials are still considering options for his permanent home, which could take several months to decide.