Minnesota, USA – The animal rescue world is mourning the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Mikayla Raines, beloved founder of SaveAFox, one of the most prominent fox rescue organizations in the United States. News broke this morning that Mikayla Raines passed away at the age of 31, leaving behind a community of animal lovers, volunteers, and rescued foxes who were part of her life’s mission.
Mikayla’s unwavering dedication to exotic animal rescue, especially foxes bred in captivity, made her a social media icon and one of the most recognized voices in wildlife advocacy. Her legacy through SaveAFox will live on.
Table of Contents
Who Was Mikayla Raines?
Born and raised in Minnesota, Mikayla Raines had a deep passion for animals from a young age. She was particularly drawn to foxes — intelligent, curious creatures often misunderstood and mistreated in captivity. After volunteering with wildlife rehab centers in her teens, Mikayla realized there was a gap in rescue efforts for domesticated foxes bred for the pet trade or fur farms.
In her early twenties, she launched SaveAFox, a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming foxes that could no longer survive in the wild or were discarded from the fur industry. Mikayla Raines’ age, just 31 at the time of her death, makes her contributions even more remarkable considering how much she accomplished in a short time.
The Rise of SaveAFox
Under Mikayla’s leadership, SaveAFox (sometimes stylized as saveafox) became a sanctuary and social media phenomenon. With millions of followers on TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, the organization didn’t just save animals—it educated the public on the challenges of fox ownership, exotic animal laws, and ethical rescue practices.
Videos of foxes like Dixie, Finnegan, and Mika playing, laughing, or reacting to Mikayla’s voice regularly went viral. But beyond the charm of these clips was a powerful message: these animals deserve better than confinement, cruelty, or careless breeding.
“My goal is to give every fox a second chance and to show people how truly intelligent and emotional they are,” Mikayla once said in an interview.
Mikayla Raines Passed Away: Cause of Death Not Yet Public
While the news that Mikayla Raines passed away has been confirmed by her family and SaveAFox team, the official cause of death has not yet been released. A post on the SaveAFox Instagram account shared a photo of Mikayla with one of her beloved foxes, along with the message:
“With heavy hearts, we share that our founder, Mikayla Raines, has passed away. She devoted her life to giving voice and sanctuary to animals who had none. We will honor her memory by continuing her mission.”
Tributes have poured in from around the world, with fans, donors, and fellow animal rescuers expressing grief and gratitude. Many are using the hashtags #SaveAFox and #MikaylaRaines to share memories and raise awareness.
Her Impact on Animal Welfare
Mikayla Save a Fox wasn’t just a brand—it was a movement. Her work brought attention to the little-known world of domesticated foxes, particularly those bred by fur farms or exotic pet breeders. Through education, public engagement, and a constant online presence, Mikayla challenged misconceptions about foxes and advocated for better regulation.
She also educated potential fox owners about the challenges of keeping such animals as pets, often discouraging casual ownership and urging people to support rescues instead.
Her transparency—sharing the messy, beautiful, and heartbreaking aspects of rescue—earned her widespread respect in both the animal welfare and influencer communities.
Continuing the SaveAFox Mission
Despite the overwhelming loss, the SaveAFox team has vowed to carry on Mikayla’s mission. The Minnesota-based sanctuary currently houses over two dozen rescued foxes, as well as mink, skunks, and other surrendered animals.
“Mikayla built this sanctuary from the ground up,” said longtime volunteer Jessica K., “and it’s up to us now to ensure her vision continues. We’ll keep rescuing. We’ll keep fighting.”
Supporters can continue to donate via the SaveAFox website or through their official fundraising platforms. Plans are reportedly underway to establish a memorial fund in Mikayla’s name, which would provide resources for long-term animal care and educational outreach.
Public Reaction: An Outpouring of Grief and Love
The response from fans and animal lovers has been overwhelming. Thousands have posted tributes across social media platforms, many sharing their favorite videos or thanking Mikayla for inspiring them to care more deeply about animal welfare.
“She made me fall in love with foxes I never thought I’d care about,” wrote one Instagram user. “Her work mattered.”
The SaveAFox YouTube channel has also seen a spike in views and subscribers, as people revisit the content Mikayla created—videos that now serve as a living archive of her devotion.
Final Thoughts: A Life of Purpose and Passion
In just over a decade, Mikayla Raines changed the way people view foxes. Through SaveAFox, she gave abandoned, abused, and misunderstood animals a second chance at life—and in the process, educated millions about empathy, responsibility, and the beauty of wildness.
Though she is gone far too soon, her legacy is written in every soft paw that found sanctuary, every animal saved from cruelty, and every person inspired to care a little more.
As the sun sets over the rolling Minnesota sanctuary she built with her own hands, the foxes cry out—some in mourning, others in play. And in their voices, the world hears the echo of a woman who made their lives, and ours, immeasurably better.
1 thought on “SaveAFox Founder Mikayla Raines Passes Away 2025: A Legacy of Compassion for Rescued Foxes”