Hackney resident's fox rescue sparks unusual bond
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A Hackney resident's extraordinary bond with a rescued fox has captured global attention, sparking conversations about human-animal connections and urban wildlife conservation. Blakeley Bermingham, 43, found an injured fox in her garden in October 2024, shivering and bleeding with signs of mange. After contacting the Fox Angels Foundation, a charity dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating foxes, Bermingham nursed the animal back to health, naming her Meatball after feeding her turkey mince mixed with medicine. The story went viral on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, accumulating nearly seven million views.
Meatball's recovery journey highlights the challenges faced by urban foxes in London, where an estimated 10,000 of these animals live. Many fall victim to mange, road accidents, or environmental stressors caused by human activity. During her rehabilitation, Meatball even became pregnant but lost her cubs due to her poor health. Despite this, she gradually regained strength and began visiting Bermingham's garden regularly, forming a unique bond with the woman who saved her life.
The Fox Angels Foundation, which has been helping foxes across the UK since 2019, plays a critical role in addressing these issues. Their team of 26 volunteers treats about 400 foxes monthly at their facility, with an additional 14 cases requiring veterinary intervention for serious injuries. However, fox care is costly—ranging from £2,000 for eye injuries to £5,000 for fractured legs. Many veterinarians refuse to treat foxes, viewing them as pests rather than sentient beings.
This story underscores the importance of empathy and responsibility toward urban wildlife. As humans encroach on natural habitats, animals like foxes are forced to adapt, often facing severe hardships. The viral attention to Meatball's rescue highlights the need for greater awareness and support for wildlife conservation efforts in cities. By understanding that foxes, like all animals, deserve compassion and care, we can work toward a more harmonious coexistence with these wild creatures.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026