What began yesterday morning ended just a few hours ago with the successful rescue of a fox cub trapped deep inside a drain – pictured below.
We were called after homeowners traced what they thought was a barking dog to an outside drain. The sound had been heard for three days, and when we arrived, a few dog biscuits dropped in by kind locals tempted a tiny fox cub to briefly poke her head out before disappearing back into the darkness.
Volunteer Dave immediately came to help, and we also contacted Southern Water, who responded without hesitation. This rescue would require specialist knowledge, patience, and teamwork.
After hours of searching, the cub was finally spotted on a drain inspection camera. Deep underground, her eyes reflected back through the darkness, illuminated only by the camera’s light. Despite our efforts, she refused to move between sections of the drain network.
Then came a brilliant idea. Dave’s wife, Charlotte, suggested placing a Ring doorbell camera inside the drain, allowing the homeowners to monitor the cub’s movements and help prevent her from travelling further along the pipe.
This morning, the team returned. After another long rescue operation, the cub—now affectionately nicknamed Penny—was finally contained within a 16-metre section of pipe between two manholes. Around six hours later, she was safely caught.
By this point, Penny had been trapped for an estimated five days and was extremely cold and exhausted.
An emergency call was made to Carisbrooke Vets, who kindly saw Penny immediately. She was given antibiotics and admitted for fluids and further care.
❤️ Thanks to the determination of local residents, our volunteers, Carisbrooke Vets and the incredible team at Southern Water, Penny is now safe.
A very special thank you goes to the Lanes Crew at Southern Water. Without their expertise, commitment and compassion, this rescue simply would not have been possible.
As the saying goes, heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes they wear hard hats. 🦊❤️
Posted on June 13th, 2026