Revitalizing the Emotional Lives of Deeply Traumatized Foxes

In Psychology Today’s “Animal Emotions” blog, ethologist Marc Bekoff, Ph.D., spoke with Nicole Navarro about the inner lives of deeply traumatized foxes and the work we do to help them heal. The conversation looks closely at the emotional toll the fur and exotic-pet trades take on these animals, and at what genuine recovery can look like in a sanctuary setting.

Many foxes arrive fearful, shut down, or unable to trust, and rebuilding their sense of safety takes patience, consistency, and respect for each animal’s own pace. The piece explores how that careful, relationship-based approach can revitalize foxes who once had little reason to feel secure, and how small signs of curiosity and comfort become real milestones.

It also reflects on the mutual nature of healing — the way connection between recovering animals and the people who care for them can be meaningful for both. We were grateful for such a thoughtful, science-minded look at the foxes’ emotional worlds.