A gray fox burned in the September 2024 Airport fire is spending his first day back in the wild on March 3 — World Wildlife Day.
Before being released Sunday in Orange County near where he was originally found, the fox spent over five months at the San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center for treatment of traumatic burn wounds to his four paws. Each year, the organization gives more than 10,000 injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals a second chance.
The gray fox was first brought to SDHS by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife on Sept. 30, 2024. He had sustained severe tissue trauma, with second and third-degree burns across all paw pads.
In order to have had a chance at survival, the SDHS said he needed daily treatment by Project Wildlife’s medical team.
“This animal was left defenseless with life-threatening wounds from the Airport Fire,” said Alexis Wohl, DVM, Wildlife Veterinary Manager of San Diego Humane Society’s Project Wildlife program. “His prognosis was guarded for a long time, but in the end, he ultimately overcame his injuries so he could return home.”
The gray fox during treatment at the SDHS. (Photo courtesy of the San Diego Humane Society)As a result of his burns, the gray fox had lost several digits, nails and paw pads, which took him down a long road to recovery. According to Project Wildlife’s veterinary team, during the process they made sure he was on appropriate pain therapy. Additionally, they used novel treatments to help progress the healing of his wounds. On three occasions, he received donated florescent light therapy from local veterinarian Dr. Todd Cecil.
The medical and rehabilitation teams collaborated closely, evaluating his health and behavior to determine if he could adapt and thrive in the wild despite his permanent injuries.
Toward the end of his recovery at San Diego Humane Society, the fox transitioned from the indoor hospital to an outdoor enclosure to further prepare him for his eventual release.
“Regaining his ability to climb and jump was essential for us to determine his readiness to thrive in the wild,” said Autumn Nelson, Wildlife Operations Manager at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center. “Using trail cameras for remote monitoring, we watched as he grew more agile each day, skillfully navigating the logs and platforms in his habitat.”
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