Fact Check: "Raines saved over 150 foxes through her nonprofit since 2017."
What We Know
Mikayla Raines founded SaveAFox Rescue in 2017, a nonprofit organization based in Lakeville, Minnesota, dedicated to rescuing foxes from fur farms, pet surrenders, and illegal ownership situations. Since its inception, the organization has reportedly saved over 150 foxes from certain death (SaveAFox Rescue, NBC News). The organization operates under various licenses, including those from the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Natural Resources, which allows it to function legally as a wildlife facility (SaveAFox Rescue).
Raines, who had been involved with wildlife rehabilitation for over a decade, transitioned from wild fox rehabilitation to domestic fox rescue after adopting a tame pet fox. This experience highlighted the distinct needs of captive-bred foxes, which the organization primarily focuses on (SaveAFox Rescue). The nonprofit has gained significant public attention, particularly through social media, where it has amassed a large following (SaveAFox Rescue).
Analysis
The claim that Raines saved over 150 foxes through her nonprofit since 2017 is supported by multiple credible sources. According to NBC News, SaveAFox has indeed rescued more than 150 foxes, confirming the organization's impact in this area (NBC News). Additionally, the organization's own website and various articles about its operations consistently mention this figure, reinforcing its accuracy (SaveAFox Rescue, USA Today).
The reliability of these sources is bolstered by SaveAFox's status as a licensed nonprofit organization, which is subject to oversight and regulation. Furthermore, the organization has received a positive rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a level of transparency and accountability in its operations (SaveAFox Rescue).
While the claim is straightforward, it is essential to consider the context in which the organization operates. The focus on rescuing foxes from fur farms and illegal ownership situations highlights the specific challenges faced by these animals, which further validates the organization's mission and the significance of the number of rescues reported.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Mikayla Raines saved over 150 foxes through her nonprofit since 2017 is accurate. Multiple credible sources confirm that SaveAFox Rescue has successfully rescued this number of foxes, and the organization's operational legitimacy supports the claim.