Mikayla Raines was more than just an animal rescuer; she was a whirlwind of compassion, chaos, and unshakable dedication. Her life was a mosaic of tiny paw prints, late-night feedings, and the kind of love that leaves a mark long after it’s gone.
Whether she was bottle-feeding a newborn fox or defending her sanctuary from online trolls, Mikayla operated at full intensity, her heart always on her sleeve. She built a world where misunderstood creatures—foxes, humans, and even the occasional cockroach—found safety, and in doing so, she became a legend in her own right. But legends aren’t invincible, and her story is as much about fragility as it is about strength.
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Who Was Mikayla Raines?
Mikayla Raines was a force of nature, a woman whose love for animals was as fierce as the challenges she faced. At just 29 years old, her life was tragically cut short on June 23, 2025, when she died by suicide after years of battling mental health struggles and relentless online harassment.
But to reduce her story to just her death would be a disservice to the incredible impact she had. Mikayla was the founder of Save A Fox, a Minnesota-based nonprofit that rescued hundreds of foxes and other exotic animals from fur farms, abusive homes, and hopeless situations. Her YouTube channel, with millions of followers, showcased her work, turning rescued foxes like Finnegan and Dixie into internet celebrities.
Born on March 5, 1996, Mikayla’s passion for animals started early. By 15, she was bottle-feeding a baby gray fox she found nearly drowned near a lawn sprinkler. By 18, she was training as a wildlife rehabilitator, and by 20, she had launched Save A Fox, a sanctuary that grew into the largest fox rescue in the U.S.
But behind her success was a woman fighting invisible battles. Mikayla lived with autism, depression, and borderline personality disorder, conditions that made everyday life a struggle. Her husband, Ethan Raines, described how even simple tasks could overwhelm her, though her hyperfocus on animals was both her superpower and her refuge.
Ethan Raines: The Man Behind Her Legacy
Ethan Raines wasn’t just Mikayla’s husband, he was her partner in every sense. In his Instagram bio, he jokingly calls himself a “Father, husband, animal rescuer, car-builder, handyman, video editor, toilet clogger,” but his role in Mikayla’s life was far deeper. The two shared a bond that was rare—Ethan often said he’d never connected with anyone the way he did with her. They spent nearly every moment together, running Save A Fox side by side. Mikayla once praised him for taking on responsibilities that lightened her load, calling him the backbone of their rescue.
When Mikayla died, Ethan was the one who found her. In a gut-wrenching video, he revealed he performed CPR for 15 minutes before paramedics arrived, but it was too late. Through tears, he shared how online bullying, from strangers, former friends, and even others in the animal rescue community, had worn her down. False rumors, jealousy, and cruelty from people she trusted became too much. “She couldn’t bear what she was feeling any longer,” Ethan said, his voice breaking.
Now, Ethan is left to raise their young daughter, Freya, and keep Save A Fox running. He’s vowed to continue Mikayla’s mission, rescuing foxes in her name. Freya, who adored her mother, would wake up each morning seeking her out, whether to care for their animals or play with her pet cockroaches. Mikayla’s absence leaves a void that can’t be filled, but Ethan is determined to honor her by saving as many lives as she did.
Net Worth, Legacy, and the Cost of Online Hate
Mikayla Raines wasn’t in it for the money. Her net worth in 2025 was never publicly disclosed (some estimates place it at around $400,000), but given Save A Fox’s nonprofit status and her modest lifestyle, it’s clear her wealth wasn’t measured in dollars. Instead, her riches were the hundreds of animals she saved—foxes, jackals, squirrels, even snapping turtles—and the millions of hearts she touched online.
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Her death has sparked a painful conversation about online harassment and mental health. Ethan pointed fingers at a now-private subreddit where vicious rumors spread, but the damage was done. Fellow rescuers and fans have flooded social media with tributes, calling her a “beacon of hope” and condemning the cruelty that contributed to her pain.
Mikayla’s story is a reminder that behind every viral video or inspiring cause, there’s a human being, flawed, fragile, and fighting battles we may never see. Her legacy isn’t just the foxes she saved but the love she poured into the world, even when it gave her so little back. If there’s any lesson to take from her life, it’s this: kindness costs nothing, but cruelty can cost everything.
