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A British rescuer saved a sick fox, and 9 years later, it still hugs her daily

By · Via Times of India · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The vixen, named Sweep, survived her severe illness thanks to round-the-clock care that included bottle-feeding and nightly saline injections. Her resulting attachment to Grewcock led to a permanent stay at the sanctuary, where she warmly welcomes visitors but reserves her deepest affection for her rescuer. Wildlife writer James Cook witnessed the pair embrace for ten minutes, highlighting the exceptional nature of their connection. The sanctuary houses Sweep alongside dozens of other animals undergoing rehabilitation.

Key points

  • Intense bonding during intensive wildlife rehabilitation can prevent animals from safely…: Intense bonding during intensive wildlife rehabilitation can prevent animals from safely returning to their natural wild habitats.
  • The registered charity had successfully rescued more than 90,000 birds and animals by the…: The registered charity had successfully rescued more than 90,000 birds and animals by the time its founder turned 70 in 2020.
  • The facility operates continuously without paid compensation for its founder, supported b…: The facility operates continuously without paid compensation for its founder, supported by volunteers, a veterinary surgeon, and a wildlife ambulance.

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Rescued fox Sweep and her wildlife rescuer Geoff Grewcock share a hug every single day at the Nuneaton and Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary in England, nine years after the young vixen arrived very ill. Grewcock believes she had been poisoned, and he spent the following year nursing her back to health. She recovered fully, but she grew so attached to him that she could never be released into the wild. Today she lives alongside the other wild animals being rehabilitated at the rescue centre owned by Grewcock, who is in his seventies, and her deep affection for him has never faded.

Why Sweep keeps demanding affection from Geoff Grewcock and what he believes her hugs really mean

Wild beim Wild reports that Grewcock describes Sweep as a lovable, friendly fox.

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Most visitors are allowed to stroke her, but she is closest to him and treats the daily cuddle as non-negotiable. In his view, it is her way of thanking the team for the care she has received.

When Sweep first arrived, she was so lethargic and…

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