Fox Rescuer Mikayla Raines Remembered for Saving Thousands of Lives

Mikayla Raines, founder of Save a Fox Rescue and a social media star known for her deep bond with foxes, has died at 30. According to The New York Times’ Jeré Longman, Raines passed away at her home in Faribault, Minnesota, on June 20. Her husband, Ethan Frankcamp, confirmed the cause was suicide, following ongoing struggles with mental health and online bullying.

Raines devoted her life to rescuing animals—especially foxes bred for the fur industry. Starting Save a Fox in 2017, she helped save over 150 foxes from cruel fur farms and many others surrendered or seized from illegal owners. She famously spent $1 million last year alone to help rehabilitate 400 foxes and was working on helping another 100 at the time of her death.

Her empathy for animals was unmatched. She bottle-fed her first fox at 15 and later became a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, saving everything from turtles and raccoons to horses and mink. Through YouTube and Instagram, she reached millions with footage of cuddly foxes and candid stories of rescue work. But behind the scenes, she faced relentless pressure—managing permits, paperwork, and the emotional toll of rescuing animals in need.

Raines was also open about her challenges living with autism and borderline personality disorder. “She was so sensitive to everything,” Frankcamp shared in a heartfelt video, noting her empathy was both her gift and her burden.

Her death has sparked a call within the rescue community to treat one another with more compassion. As KJ Farms Animal Rescue put it, “The rescue world cannot keep cannibalizing its own.”

Let’s honor Mikayla not just for her heroic work, but by carrying her mission forward. Speak up for animals. Support local rescues. And above all, be kind—to animals and to each other.

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