The animal rescue community is mourning the tragic loss of Mikayla Raines, founder of Save A Fox, who died by suicide at age 29.
Her husband, Ethan Raines, confirmed the news on June 23, calling her the most selfless person he had ever known.
Mikayla’s passion for animals began at 15 when she volunteered at a wildlife rehab center in Minnesota. In 2017, she founded Save A Fox, now the largest domestic fox rescue in the U.S., helping animals rescued from fur farms and exotic pet situations.
With over 2.4 million YouTube subscribers, she became a global advocate for animal welfare, sharing joyful videos of rescued foxes and educating millions.
Behind the scenes, Mikayla battled autism, borderline personality disorder, and depression. Despite seeking help, she faced relentless online bullying, especially from critics within the rescue world, which deeply affected her. One day before her death, she posted a cheerful video with a lemur, still spreading joy while privately struggling. She leaves behind her husband, daughter Freya, her animals, and a devoted fan base. In response, tributes and donations have poured in, and Ethan has pledged to continue her mission. Her story is a powerful reminder of the toll of cyberbullying and the importance of empathy and mental health awareness.
