The Second Chance Fund
June 27, 2026
Every year, hundreds of foxes face situations they cannot escape alone.
A concerned member of the public had spotted him in an appalling condition and contacted us urgently for help. Working alongside them, Stan was safely contained using a humane cage trap before being transported to our rehabilitation centre.
The sight that greeted us was heartbreaking.
Stan was suffering from severe sarcoptic mange. Thick, painful crusts covered much of his face, restricting his vision and leaving his skin cracked, inflamed and incredibly uncomfortable. He also had a significant injury to one ear and a wound to the side of his mouth, both requiring veterinary attention.
His body condition suggested he had been struggling for some time.
Beginning the Road to Recovery
Following an assessment by our veterinary team, Stan began an intensive treatment programme. He received antibiotics to tackle infection, pain relief to keep him comfortable, regular wound management, nutritional support and a course of treatment for his mange.
During his recovery, Stan returned to the vets for follow-up examinations. Although he made excellent progress, one visit revealed swelling around his back left ankle, meaning he needed to remain on antibiotics a little longer while we monitored him closely.
Recovery is rarely a straight line.
Wild animals don’t heal overnight, and rushing treatment simply to speed up release is never in their best interests. Every decision we make is based on giving each fox the greatest possible chance of surviving once back in the wild.
A Remarkable Transformation
Week by week, Stan began to change.
The thick crusts that had once covered his face gradually loosened and fell away, allowing him to see properly again. His wounds healed, inflammation subsided, and healthy fur slowly started returning across the areas damaged by mange.
Perhaps most importantly, Stan began behaving like a wild fox again.
As his strength returned, so did his natural instincts. He became increasingly wary of people, more confident in his surroundings, and showed all the behaviours we hope to see before release.
Back Where He Belongs
After weeks of treatment, careful monitoring and rehabilitation, the day finally arrived. Stan was given a clean bill of health and was successfully released back into the wild. Watching a fox disappear into the countryside never gets old. It’s the moment every rescue is working towards – the moment fear is replaced with freedom.
Stan’s story is one of resilience, but it’s also one of compassion.
Without the member of the public who stopped to help, Stan may never have received the treatment he so desperately needed. Without our supporters, we couldn’t provide the veterinary care, medication, food and rehabilitation that gave him a second chance.
Every rescued fox has a story. Thanks to your support, Stan’s story had the ending he deserved.
Every donation helps us answer the next emergency call, provide lifesaving veterinary treatment and give more foxes the chance to return to the wild.
Together, we can continue rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing foxes back where they belong.
Donate Today
Every year, hundreds of foxes face situations they cannot escape alone.
Sometimes, the greatest dangers facing young foxes aren’t found in the countryside. They’re hidden beneath our streets.
When Stan first arrived in our care, it was immediately clear that he had endured weeks -perhaps even months – of suffering.