Socks the fox remembered and missed at Worcester's EcoTarium

Call him that lovable redhead.

Wildlife often endure the school of hard knocks, but for Socks, a male red fox, his 13-year career at the EcoTarium as an animal ambassador brought many creature comforts.

He surely earned his perks. By all accounts, he did his job exceptionally well, helping humans understand local wildlife, and human impact on nature, including the consquences of taking species from their habitat as pets.

After Socks' months-long struggle with cancer, museum staff sadly said goodbye, with a euthanization that took place Nov. 28.

A post on the EcoTarium's Facebook page prompted scores of messages of condolence. Fox, it seems, found a welcome den in many hearts.

Taken from the wild, on a new course

Socks came by his career entirely by accident.

"He came to us when he was less than a year old. He had been found by a local family," explained Rachel Davison, the EcoTarium's zoological manager.

It's not clear if the fluffy youngster was truly in peril, but the family decided to take him in, to join their household cats. It soon became clear that life in a house did not agree with him.

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By then, however, Davison said, Socks had grown to accustomed to living with people to live successfully on his own. When a baby animal learns behavior from adults of its own species or a different species, including humans, this phenomenon is known as imprinting.

Socks' adoptive family brought him to the EcoTarium, which hosts a number of representatives of area wildlilfe.

Socks soon settled into life in an outdoor habitat, enclosed with mesh around the perimeter, where he could access a cozy indoor shelter during bad weather.

Animals as teachers

His story of failed domesticity made him a good teacher for an important lesson to visitors. Wildlife are just that, and need to be loved and respected in their natural element.

For the most part, visitors could enjoy watching Socks puttering around in his habitat enclosure.

"We would do keeper chats with him," said Davison. "He was really good at training, and we were able to show off some of his behaviors."

Socks also became a good sport when it came to veterinary examinations and wellbeing checks. "He learned over time, letting us look really close in his ears, his eyes and his mouth. People really liked to see how smart and intelligent he was," said Davison.

On special occasions, such as a recent fox celebration day, Davison said, "He was the main highlight the entire day."

Illness brings a difficult choice

Earlier in the year, Davison said a veterinary exam revealed a lung tumor. "He was an older man already, 12. That is really is the average lifespan of a fox," Davison said. Socks received his regular care from EcoTarium's animal care staff, and EcoTarium's veterinary team at Tufts Wildlife Clinic in North Grafton.

It quickly became clear that treatment wouldn't likely change the cancer's course. "We have just been closely monitoring him, just like usual, but we were making sure he had followup vet visits," said Davison.

Until last weekend, Socks behaved normally, but then began to show a rapid decline. "He let us know he was ready. I'm really thankful for that," Davison said. "Sometimes, it's like a blessing in disguise."

New of Socks' death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes on the EcoTarium's Facebook page.

Noreen Johnson Smith, president and chief executive officer of the EcoTarium, noted that Socks' many fans included children undergoing care nearby at the children's center of UMass Memorial Medical Center.

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A community pays tribute

With passes furnished by the hospital, pediatric patients and their families would seek respite at the EcoTarium with Socks, along with turtles, owls and other wildlife cared for at the EcoTarium.

Socks also formed a special bond with EcoTarium animal team, including Davison. Smith said, "Based on what I've seen, he was always wagging his tail, and glad to see her."

EcoTarium staff are weighing the best way to honor Sock's legacy.

"So many people in the community loved Socks, including many, many, many children," said Smith. "Right now on Facebook, where the post was placed, there is already quite a tribute. They are freely responding and sharing their own feelings, which is wonderful."