In the enchanting realm of Mikayla Raines’ Minnesota home, a peculiar species dwells—a creature that bears a striking resemblance to our loyal canine companions, yet possesses an untamed spirit. These creatures are foxes, and Mikayla, a young visionary at the tender age of 23, embarked on a remarkable journey to save them from a life of adversity.
Surrounded by the ancient majesty of oak trees and towering grasslands, Mikayla founded Save a Fox in 2017, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating these captivating creatures. Within her sanctuary, two species of foxes thrive—the red foxes and the Arctic foxes—each adorned with a unique name and a vibrant array of fur colors, ranging from fiery red and mysterious black to shimmering silver and even sunny yellow, mirroring the diverse palette of our beloved canine companions.
Amidst the sanctuary’s leafy refuge, Mikayla bears witness to the foxes’ canine-like behaviors, forever challenging the notion of their wild nature. Like mischievous puppies, they revel in the joy of play, frolicking with toys and echoing the vibrant echoes of laughter through their untamed voices. And when their hearts overflow with delight, their tails wag in unison, a universal symbol of pure canine bliss.
Mikayla, once an aspiring veterinarian, diverged from the conventional path and wholeheartedly embraced her calling as a guardian of these extraordinary creatures. Through Save A Fox, she extends her nurturing hand to non-releasable animals such as raccoons, bobcats, wolves, and, of course, foxes. Yet, Mikayla understands that not all these enchanting creatures can find solace within the confines of human homes, for their wild instincts persist, demanding respect and understanding.
Many of Mikayla’s foxes have been rescued from the grim clutches of fur farms, where their destinies are tragically intertwined with the cruel intentions of farmers. While she passionately opposes the practice of fur farming, Mikayla has forged a unique bond with some of these farmers, fostering a working relationship aimed at saving innocent lives and reshaping our collective perspective on these remarkable creatures.
With her ever-watchful eye, Mikayla shares glimpses of her fox-filled haven through captivating video clips on Instagram and YouTube. In these snippets, viewers are transported to a realm where foxes play with abandon, bask in gentle caresses, and communicate through a symphony of peculiar vocalizations, reminding us of the profound depth of their unique language.
As Angela Grimmes, the Director of Development and Operations at Born Free USA, astutely points out, captive foxes may dwell on fur farms or even in human households, yet their wild essence remains indomitable, forever tethering them to their untamed origins. Mikayla, too, acknowledges this truth, recognizing that these captivating creatures cannot be truly classified as pets, for their untamed spirits defy the boundaries of domestication.
Through the arduous trials and tribulations of caring for her beloved foxes, Mikayla’s love for these creatures grew exponentially, fueling her unyielding dedication to the cause. Her devotion manifested in the form of her first pet fox, the endearing Arctic fox named Fiasco, whose charm captivated the hearts of Instagram users worldwide, igniting a spark that led to countless rescue missions and a growing movement of support.
Mikayla shares the awe-inspiring stories of her fox family through her Instagram and YouTube accounts, captivating the hearts of over 200,000 followers. This newfound platform has paved the way for sponsorships and generous donations, breathing life into Save A Fox and enabling its noble mission to flourish.