A death-defying fox clambered up Britain's tallest skyscraper and lived the high life on the 72nd floor of the tower in central London for nearly two weeks.I do wonder whether he climbed all the way rather than sneaking on board a pallet that was being hoisted aloft or hitching a lift in a builders' elevator.
The intrepid animal climbed to the top of the Shard, which is more than 288 metres high and still under construction, where it enjoyed panoramic views over the British capital and lived off builders' scraps.
It managed to outfox its captors for almost a fortnight until February 17 when it was finally put into a cage and brought down from the tower, which will be the tallest skyscraper in Europe when it is complete.
It is believed the fox climbed up the building's central stairwell.
After a medical check-up, he was found to be unhurt and was released back into the neighbourhood surrounding the tower, close to his den and family.As one would, of course, as one would.
"We were delighted to find that [the fox] was in good health other than for the fact that he clearly hadn't found quite enough to live on," said Ted Burden, founder of the Riverside Animal Centre.
"We gave him a thorough medical, a few good meals and explained to him that if foxes were meant to be 72 storeys off the ground, they would have evolved wings."
Following his release, the fox simply "glanced at the Shard and then trotted off in the other direction"
In another report Southwark Councillor Barrie Hargrove is reported as commenting that the fox -
has certainly been on a bit of a jaunt, and proved rather elusive, but I'm glad our pest control officers were able to help out.
He's obviously a resourceful little chap, but I'm sure he's glad the adventure is over and hopefully he'll steer well clear of skyscrapers in the future.
