A two-year-old red fox named Basil, who traveled from Southampton, England, to New York via cargo ship, has recovered from French heartworm and completed his quarantine at the Bronx Zoo. Initially diagnosed with a parasite, Basil received treatment and has shown significant health improvements.

• 01Basil was diagnosed with French heartworm, a parasite rarely seen in the U.S. that can cause severe respiratory issues.
• 02The fox underwent a treatment plan involving three types of deworming medication over approximately one month.
• 03Basil's weight increased from 5.1 kilograms (11.2 pounds) to 6.2 kilograms (13.7 pounds) during his recovery.
• 04The red fox was discovered at the Port of New York and New Jersey in February after arriving from England.
• 05Bronx Zoo officials are now considering long-term placement options for Basil following his successful recovery.

Basil's recovery highlights the importance of wildlife health management and the role of zoos in rehabilitating animals that arrive in distress.