Her mission began with a single rescued fox and grew into the largest fox-rehabilitation effort in the United States.
This week, Mikayla Raines, YouTube educator, nonprofit leader, and devoted mother, died by suicide. In an emotional Instagram message, her husband Ethan Raines shared that unrelenting online harassment compounded long-standing mental-health challenges.
“They spread false rumors, and being the sensitive person she was, it deeply affected her… She tried for years to push through the pain, but this time it was too much.”
Ethan described Mikayla’s diagnoses, depression, borderline personality disorder, autism, and her years of therapy and medication. “Nothing really seemed to help,” he said.
A Singular Focus on Saving Animals
Mikayla’s love of wildlife began at 15, volunteering with a local rehabilitator. In 2016, at just 20, she founded Save A Fox, a Minnesota-based sanctuary that later expanded to Florida and now stands as the largest fox rescue in the country. The organization has rehabilitated well into four figures of foxes and other exotics.
“She was never in it for fame, money, or personal gain,” Ethan emphasized. “From helping a snapping turtle cross the road to saving 500 foxes from a fur farm, she devoted every waking hour to animals.”
Even basic needs came second. “She would forgo sleep, eating, and showering if an animal needed her help.”
The Toll of Relentless Bullying
According to Ethan, a sustained wave of online attacks, including hurtful comments from people Mikayla once called friends, intensified her struggles. He believes jealousy and envy fueled many of the accusations.
Despite the cruelty, Mikayla never stopped advocating. Her final years were marked by daily caretaking, educational videos, and community outreach that inspired millions to view foxes as sentient beings, not commodities.
Tributes From the Rescue Community
Condolences poured in across social media:
- Juniper Wildlife Refuge wrote, “Many of us have foxes who came to us because of Mikayla’s dedication.”
- Wildlife activist Miranda Sanders called her “one of the most selfless souls I’ve ever known… the world is dimmer without her.”
- Thousands of fans echoed the sentiment: “Devastating doesn’t begin to describe the loss.”
A Husband’s Vow to Continue the Mission
Ethan, alongside their young daughter Freya, plans to keep Save A Fox thriving:
“I gave Mikayla all of my love and energy, and I will do the same with this rescue going forward. This is what she would want.”
He reminded supporters that every animal at the sanctuary “just lost their best friend.”
If You Need Help
Mikayla’s passing underscores the importance of mental-health support. In the U.S., dial 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. International resources can be found at befrienders.org.
