Rescued Fox Cub Lotti Thrives in Rehabilitation Center

A young fox cub, Lotti, is on the road to recovery after being rescued from a frigid pond. Currently being cared for at a wildlife rehabilitation center in Hohen Neuendorf, Lotti is adapting well to her new surroundings, where she enjoys a diet rich in berries and the occasional ride in a car.

At approximately four weeks old, Lotti was discovered alone in icy water, suffering from severe hypothermia and exhaustion. It is believed that she was separated from her family due to a disturbance, possibly caused by a dog. A local resident alerted the authorities, leading to Lotti's rescue and subsequent care by Dirk Hartung, who is dedicated to nursing her back to health.

Since arriving at the center, Lotti has shown remarkable progress. She sleeps comfortably in a cat carrier at night and spends her days exploring her environment, often cuddling up in Hartung's jacket or occasionally enjoying the space of a large aviary designed for squirrels. Hartung emphasizes the importance of companionship for Lotti, noting that she requires human contact to prevent distress, especially since she no longer has her siblings around.

Despite being a wild animal, Lotti is displaying an impressive ability to adapt to her unusual circumstances. Hartung finds it amusing that she enjoys car rides and looks out the window, indicating her comfort with the new experiences. Notably, Lotti has also learned to use a litter box, mimicking the behavior of Hartung's pet cat, though he clarifies that foxes are not domesticated animals and do not become house-trained.

Her diet consists of natural foods, including raspberries, blueberries, and young spruce shoots, which are essential for her health. Hartung cautions against feeding wild animals cow's milk, as it can cause digestive issues. He stresses the importance of providing a diet that aligns with the natural eating habits of these creatures.

As Lotti approaches adolescence in the fall, Hartung anticipates she will begin to exhibit more independent behavior. Until then, he is committed to providing her with the care and support she needs to thrive in the wild once she is ready to be released.

Hartung also encourages the public to maintain a safe distance from wild animals, particularly in forested areas where young wildlife may be easily startled. He advocates for dog owners to keep their pets leashed during walks to prevent potentially harmful encounters with wildlife.