Deaf fox cub picks up sign language to fit in with her owner

An abandoned deaf fox cub has been given a new lease of life after learning sign language from her ‘Doctor Dolittle’ owner. Animal lover Beth Tyler-King was particularly keen to adopt the cub as she too is deaf.

‘She couldn’t have come to a better person,’ she said. ‘I took her to vets twice and they both confirmed she couldn’t hear – she didn’t respond to anything. She has enhanced my life. I can’t imagine life without her.’

The 43-year-old has given Milly a collar to wear with a tag telling people she is deaf and uses hand signals to get her to obey basic commands. ‘To get her to sit, I put my palm out facing downwards to say “sit” and she does it. When she is being naughty, I waggle my finger at her.’



Injured Milly was picked up 18 months ago after being chased by yobs and is now wary about going outside. However, she had made some new indoor playmates in the form of cats Angel and Harley. ‘She plays with the cats like puppies would – it’s so funny. She is never vicious towards them. She is very gentle,’ said Miss Tyler-King.

Milly also amuses herself by watching TV and has developed a taste for grated cheese and Coco Pops.

She also shares her home in Hartland, Devon, with many other injured or sick animals that Miss Tyler-King is looking after. ‘My spare room is like my intensive care room,’ she said. ‘At the moment, I have got 30 hedgehogs, five owls, seven dogs, 14 cats, five pigeons, a dove, a parrot, and a squirrel.’ She also has 12 hens and two ponies.