A farmer stopped and called for help when he found two little Cape foxes roaming around, bewildered. Rescuers worked together to get them to safety, where they are now recovering with full bellies and spiky little teeth.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (18 September 2026) – On Sunday, FreeMe Wildlife received a call from Jaco, a farmer who had spotted two fox pups roaming around after the mowing and baling of grasslands left them lost and bewildered.
Cape foxes are the only true foxes in southern Africa, and they’re also the smallest canid, occurring naturally in Western and North-Western KwaZulu-Natal.
“Not much is known about these little predators however, they are often blamed for killing lambs and kids, in sheep and goat farming regions. The result… thousands of these tiny predators are destroyed annually.” shares FreeMe.
“So when Jaco contacted us to assist with the rescue of two tiny pups, we were incredibly grateful that this farmer cared enough to make a difference.”
FreeMe Wildlife is based in Howick – quite the distance from where the pups were initially found, near Vryheid. Instead of calling for help and leaving rescuers to the job, Jaco’s next step was to help them find a way to safety.
He hopped on the phone with Ruan, an Honorary Office of Ezemvelo. Ruan knew he had to act immediately in the best interest of the pups, and arranged to meet FreeMe Wildlife half way.
“Quick action so often saves lives when it comes to compromised wildlife, and the Honorary Officers of Ezemvelo know exactly how important it is to act quickly, effectively, and legally.”
Xavier from FreeMe Wildlife met Ruan and Annemarie half way to collect the pups, and delivered them straight to the wildlife centre, where the rest of the team waited to admit the two little patients.
“Fluids was the first thing given. Both pups were a little dehydrated after their ordeal. One male, and one female. The little male was a bit on the thin side, but we are sure he will fatten up over the next few days. Otherwise, both pups seem in good spirits and look healthy.”
SPCA Field Officer Siya and Son Samkelo Rescue Terrified Dog Together
There's a Deeper Message About Humanity Hidden in Fossils
“All their teeth are out, which means they will easily cope with solids, but just to be sure, we’ll give them a few options on the menu which includes milk formula, and a few tasty solids to chew on for a start.”
Now that they’ve had a full check-over – and showed off their spiky little teeth – the pups are resting and recovering in FreeMe’s care.
“A BIG thank you to Jaco who cared enough to rescue these two, and also to Ruan and Annemarie (Honorary Officers of Ezemvelo), who kindly transported them through to meet our team half way.” the team shared.
by 
