The Arctic fox is found throughout the Arctic region. They typically live in mountains and tundra by the sea.
There are several hundred thousand in the wild, and Arctic fox populations are stable and considered a species of least concern.
While all species of foxes are considered wild animals, many people still want to own one as a pet.
However, only 15 states allow people to own foxes. In these 15 states, not all kinds of foxes are allowed.
Foxes are considered undomesticated predators and “inherently dangerous.” They are also challenging to care for because they are very energetic, extremely loud, and have the innate need to mark their territory.
Archie is a senior blind Arctic fox that was dropped off in a dog shelter in Colorado when he was eight years old.
His owners either couldn’t care for him properly or didn’t want him anymore.
From Colorado, he ended up in a fox rescue in Minnesota, which he did not like. While he was there, he didn’t want to come out or see other foxes.
He ended up in Arctic Fox Daily Wildlife Rescue, an animal sanctuary with a two-part rescue mission.
The first part is to provide forever sanctuary to captive-bred and non-releasable foxes. The second part is wildlife rehabilitation for New York native wildlife, with the goal of releasing the animals back into the wild.
“When Archie first got here, he was definitely very reserved, but what’s really cool is that Archie, fast forward a little bit, has completely come out of his shell,” shared Kimberly DeFisher, founder of Arctic Fox Daily Wildlife Rescue.
Archie understands the term “treat” and allows Kimberly to touch him when she warns him with the word “touch.”
Kimberly told GeoBeats Animals that because Archie was born blind, he bumps into things a few times and remembers his boundaries. Archie also has a girlfriend named Lulu, who keeps him company.
Sometimes, Archie and Lulu have play dates with another fox couple at the sanctuary, Tundra and Cleo.
“A lot of people wonder why I put so much time and energy into these animals who others might think just aren’t worth it. I’ve seen the reward of giving them a happy life, and it made me even want to try harder with Archie, to see if I could give him the happiest life ever,” Kimberly said.
She shared that this experience was more rewarding than she thought it would be and that Archie was living his best life.
Kimberly explained that many of the animals she cares for don’t have the instincts their wild counterparts have. They wouldn’t be able to withstand the elements or hunt and get enough food independently.
She also said that Archie is nearing the 10-year-old mark, which is the average lifespan of an Arctic fox. Kimberly is ensuring that he spends his last few years happy and enjoying life.
“I feel thankful and blessed that I have an opportunity to form this relationship with him,” she shared.
More than a million people have viewed this video and shared their love for Archie as well.
“Archie is so beautiful. So glad you rescued him, every animal deserves love and human kindness. He’s just as beautiful as ever,” a comment said.
“No such thing as an animal that is ‘too old’ or ‘not worth the time and effort.’ Thank you Arctic Fox Daily and all who understand the untold value of the animals that we share our spaces with,” another commenter said.
We hope many people re-think wanting to own a fox because of all their special needs that take a lot of time and effort to fulfill. Many dogs in shelters need a home and are much easier to care for in a home setting.
Watch the video of Archie the blind Arctic fox below!
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