A Muskoka animal sanctuary is hoping to find a lifetime mate for a rare fox.
Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is welcoming “Silver” a rare six-month-old silver fox to their facility. He was brought to Muskoka from Minnesota after Aspen Valley officials saw an online article about the animal.
"This summer we became aware of an animal that was in need of a home in Minnesota. He was at a wildlife rehab facility in Duluth,” says Howard Smith managing director at Aspen Valley. “I was able to contact them, and we worked our arrangements. It was about a three month process."
Silver’s acquisition has a purpose. Aspen Valley hopes he’ll woo “Lena”, a fellow silver fox.
"We've always been keeping an eye out for a mate or companion for her."
Lena has been at Aspen Valley for the last three years. She was brought to the sanctuary from Springwater Provincial Park. Unfortunately, her mate died.
"They generally mate for life, and so having a companion is a more natural setting for her."
It could be a match made in heaven for the sly fox, but Silver's still got some work to do before he gets the keys to Lena's enclosure.
The staff at Aspen Valley will keep a close eye on how Silver and Lena are getting along over the next few days.
If there is chemistry, Silver will move into Lena's enclosure in the coming weeks where they will become mates.
