SaveAFox Rescue

SaveAFox Corporation, publicly known as SaveAFox Rescue, is a 501(c)(3) family owned nonprofit organization based in Lakeville, Minnesota that specializes in rescuing foxes from fur farms, pet surrenders, and illegal ownership situations. Founded in 2017 by wildlife rehabilitator Mikayla Raines, the organization focuses exclusively on captive-born, non-releasable wildlife. A second facility was opened in Lake County, Florida in 2020. SaveAFox operates as a United States Department of Agriculture-, Department of Natural Resources-, and Fish and Wildlife Commission-licensed facility.

The rescue has saved approximately 150 foxes from certain death and maintains significant public engagement through social media. The organization received a 3/4 star rating from Charity Navigator and operates under EIN 82-3454531.

History

SaveAFox Corporation was founded in 2017 by Mikayla Raines, who began working with foxes over a decade prior. Raines developed her wildlife expertise through early exposure to wildlife rehabilitation alongside her mother, a licensed rehabilitator. At age 15, she bottle-fed her first fox, a gray fox kit, and later pursued licensing as a wildlife rehabilitator herself. Her transition from wild fox rehabilitation to domestic fox rescue occurred after taking in a tame pet fox, Fiasco, which introduced her to the distinct needs of captive-bred foxes. Raines posted images of Fiasco to Instagram, leading to SaveAFox gaining online fame.

The organization achieved federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and secured licensing from multiple regulatory agencies. SaveAFox maintains United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources, and Fish and Wildlife Commission licenses, enabling legal operation as a wildlife facility. The rescue has maintained consistent operations since its founding, focusing primarily on foxes and mink from fur farmers and private owners.

In 2020, a second facility was opened in Lake County, Florida after raising funds on GoFundMe. The organization has also appealed for other licensed sanctuaries to help with new arrivals.

Ethan Frankamp, Mikayla's husband, announced on June 23, 2025, that Mikayla had died by suicide on June 20th, due to a combination of mental health issues and online harassment she faced in how SaveAFox was run. He said he would continue to run the organization, saying "I will not let Mikayla's light be extinguished, and I won't let negativity win, and I won't let her mission fall apart." A celebration of life for Raines was held on July 12, 2025 at the facility.

Media presence

SaveAFox also maintains a social media presence, and Mikayla Raines launched a YouTube channel in 2009 that was later used to document the SaveAFox rescue. The channel has over 2 million YouTube subscribers as of June 2025. Multiple of the channel's videos have gone viral, attracting national media attention to the rescue. and individual foxes of Raines' and the rescue's have garnered popularity in their own right. One such video released during the COVID-19 pandemic, of a male fox named Finnegan that, when petted by Raines, made noises that sounded like laughter, was particularly popular. Another video from the channel, released in December 2021, attracted national media attention to the rescue. Esmae and Mala, a pair of black-and-white bonded foxes from the sanctuary, also went viral in June 2022, as online viewers dubbed the two "lesbian goth foxes".

Audio from foxes at the rescue have been used in the sound design of the video game ''Overwatch 2'' (2022) and the animated film ''The Wild Robot'' (2024).

Mission and goals

SaveAFox Corporation's stated mission is "to rescue and provide forever homes for captive-born, non-releasable wildlife". The organization specifically targets domestic foxes that are distinct from wild foxes, being born in captivity either for the pet trade or fur farming. Most rescued foxes come from fur farms due to orphaning, imperfect coats, illness, or injury that make them unprofitable, while others arrive as pet surrenders from owners who underestimated care requirements or through seizures from illegal ownership situations.

The organization prioritizes non-releasable animals exclusively, distinguishing itself from traditional wildlife rehabilitation that focuses on return to natural habitats. This approach addresses the specific needs of captive-bred animals that cannot survive in wild environments.

Programs and activities

SaveAFox operates multiple program streams centered on direct animal rescue and public education. The organization offers fox sponsorship programs, allowing supporters to financially support specific animals, and maintains an adoption program for qualified applicants. Educational programs teach the public about rescued animals through facility tours and outreach.

The rescue operates primarily in Minnesota while accepting animals from broader geographic regions. SaveAFox maintains substantial public engagement through social media platforms, with over 887,000 Facebook followers. The organization generates revenue through donations, sponsorships, merchandise sales, and fundraising campaigns. Partnerships with supporters enable ongoing operations and expansion of rescue capacity.

Notes

References

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2017 establishments in Minnesota
Dakota County, Minnesota
Non-profit organizations based in Minnesota
Organizations established in 2017
Wildlife rehabilitation and conservation centers
Rice County, Minnesota
Lake County, Florida
2020 establishments in Florida
YouTube channels launched in 2009