Until that time, the Catalina Island Conservancy cares for Tachi, an island fox that can not be released in the wild and several zoos exhibit and breed foxes from San Clemente Island. This subspecies of island fox is not listed as endangered but is still vulnerable to population declines because it is found only on San Clemente Island and no where else in the world. Captive management of the San Clemente Island fox has helped develop husbandry techniques and establish veterinary care procedures for the endangered subspecies of foxes on the northern islands and Santa Catalina Island.
You Can See Island Foxes At:
Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo exhibits two fox pairs:
- a Male and Female from San Clemente Island
- a Female from San Clemente Island and a Male born at the Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo maintains the Stud Book or breeding records for all the island foxes in captivity on the mainland. They also are caring for a Male from Santa Rosa Island that requires daily medical care due to a chronic eye condition.
Roots & Shoots hosts a Fall Fox Festival at the Santa Barbara Zoo each October.
Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo exhibits a fox pair:
-Female from San Clemente Island and Male born at the Santa Barbara Zoo
The Docent Conservation Committee at the Los Angeles Zoo hosts an Island Fox Festival annually in May.
Charles Paddock Zoo
Exhibits a Male born at the Santa Barbara Zoo
Coyote Point Museum
Exhibits a Male born at the Los Angeles Zoo
Orange County Zoo
Exhibits a Male born at the Los Angeles Zoo
Utah’s Hogle Zoo
Exhibits a Male from San Clemente Island
California Living Museum- Bakersfield
Exhibits two Males from San Clemente Island
Even if you can’t venture over to the Channel Islands, zoos that are helping save the species can give you an opportunity to see the island fox, one of California’s precious treasures.
What is it like on the islands?
Experiencing Santa Cruz Island
Experiencing Santa Rosa Island
Getting there - Island Packers