The fox was saved by RSPCA and London Fire Brigade rescuers after getting stranded in shallow water in Pymmes Brook, Arnos Grove.
The animal was spotted in distress, prompting firefighters from White Watch at Finchley Fire Station to call in the RSPCA for specialist support on 8 June.
Animal Rescue Officer Suzi Fothergill and Chief Inspector Clare Dew attended the scene.
Suzi said: “We arrived following a call from the fire service. We believe he had got stuck, as there was no way for him to climb out on his own
“He appeared exhausted and very hungry. We suspected he’d been down there for several days.
“At first, he ran from the firefighters, so we decided to give him space. I threw some food down, and he eventually ate it despite being surrounded by people — he must have been desperate.”
The team managed to net the fox, and he was taken to South Essex Wildlife Hospital, but unfortunately he wasn’t well enough to be released back into the wild and had to be euthanised.
Suzi added: “We often work alongside the fire and rescue service to help animals in difficult situations. It’s always rewarding when we can pool resources to help wildlife in need. It’s sad that this fox didn’t make it but we are glad we ended his suffering, as he could have been stuck there for many more days.”
