For nearly ten years, Dora Nightingale has been a tireless champion for foxes, dedicating her life to their care and conservation.
As the founder of Fox Guardians, her mission is to educate others about these enchanting creatures and inspire compassion for them.
Thanks to her unwavering efforts, her garden has become a sanctuary where neighborhood foxes can find safety and comfort.
Among them is a special fox named Babybelle, who recently brought the most heartwarming surprise.
Babybelle’s Adorable Secret
Babybelle has been a frequent and beloved visitor to Nightingale’s yard for over two years, becoming an honorary member of the family.
One day, however, Babybelle’s behavior took an unexpected turn.
She began standing guard in front of an old doghouse in the yard, refusing to leave her post. Curious, Nightingale decided to investigate—and discovered something incredible.
“I went out to feed the birds and spotted the tiny cubs wiggling in the shelter,” Nightingale shared with The Dodo.
It seemed Babybelle had chosen Nightingale’s garden as a safe place to protect her newborn cubs.
Nightingale believes the fox’s original den was likely destroyed, prompting her to seek refuge for her babies.
A Trust Like No Other
Although she has spent years rescuing foxes, Nightingale had never encountered a situation like this.
Unsure of how to proceed, she sought advice from wildlife experts and veterinarians.
They advised her to simply monitor the situation, trusting Babybelle to care for her cubs.
And Babybelle did not disappoint!
A Mama Fox’s Determination
Nightingale observed Babybelle’s dedicated routine through the use of wildlife cameras.
“The footage showed that mum visited the cubs every two hours to nurse and groom them. Then, after sunset, she carried each cub one by one to a new den located near my garden,” Nightingale explained.
The process wasn’t easy—Babybelle had to jump over a fence each time—but her determination to secure her cubs’ safety was awe-inspiring.
Watching Babybelle transform into such a devoted mother filled Nightingale with pride and joy.
A Garden Sanctuary
For Nightingale, Babybelle’s choice to place her cubs in the garden felt like the ultimate gesture of trust.
“People comment on what an honor it is that a wild animal trusts me so much to place her precious babies in my garden, knowing they will be safe from harm. I agree—it’s incredibly touching,” she said.
She credits the old doghouse, which served as a temporary den, with helping protect the vulnerable cubs until Babybelle could move them to a safer location.
A Message for Fox Lovers
As a guardian of foxes for nearly a decade, Nightingale’s experience has been deeply rewarding.
She hopes her story encourages others to welcome fox families that might wander into their yards.
“Foxes play a very important role in our ecosystem and need a place to live. With natural habitats shrinking, let a fox share your wild space for a while,” she urged.
She reminds people that fox cubs will naturally disperse by late summer, leaving their temporary homes behind.
“In the meantime, enjoy the show—it’s like watching Disney Live unfold right on your lawn!” Nightingale concluded.
Thanks to Nightingale and her compassionate efforts, Babybelle and her cubs had a safe start to life, proving that even small acts of kindness can make a world of difference for wildlife.