Blind, orphaned fox makes home at Buttonwood Park Zoo

The Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford is raising an orphaned red fox that is blind.

The zoo said it was contacted in late April by a resident who was caring for the fox after its mother was struck by a car and killed.

Zookeepers said the fox can't be returned to the wild, so they will raise her with the hope of making her part of the Animal Ambassador Program. Animals in the program travel to schools and the community as part of wildlife education initiatives.

Zoo staff named the 8-week-old fox Piper. She's currently living in the zoo's veterinary hospital, where she's becoming used to smells and sounds and learning to walk on a leash.

The zoo said two companies have donated materials to build her an enclosure. It is looking for contractors to donate their time to construct the home.

The Buttonwood Park Zoological Society is also accepting donations for the Animal Ambassador Program. Call 508-991-4556, ext. 13, for more information.

The Buttonwood Park Zoo features more than 180 animals on 10 acres.