Overview

• The fox cub became trapped in a container of bitumen in northeast London on May 22, 2025, and was stuck to a road for over four hours before being rescued by passers-by.
• Rescue workers spent over 30 minutes carefully freeing the cub's limbs to avoid further injury before transporting it to the South Essex Wildlife Hospital.
• Hospital staff used sedation, baby oil, and WD-40 to remove the hardened bitumen in a delicate process that lasted several days to minimize stress and hypothermia risks.
• The cub has a leg issue requiring surgery, and there are concerns about potential toxicity or ingestion of the bitumen.
• The hospital is evaluating whether the cub can be reunited with its mother within a week to avoid rejection or if it will need to be rehabilitated with other cubs before release.