Mikayla Raines (March 5, 1996 – June 21, 2025) was a passionate animal rights advocate and the founder of SaveAFox Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing foxes and other exotic animals from fur farms, pet surrenders, and illegal ownership situations. Based in Lakeville, Minnesota, SaveAFox Rescue became the largest fox rescue in the U.S., with a significant presence on social media platforms, including over 2.4 million YouTube subscribers and more than 500,000 Instagram followers.
Raines began her journey with wildlife at the age of 15 when she helped rehabilitate an orphaned gray fox. By 18, she had earned her license as a wildlife rehabilitator and pursued studies to become a veterinary technician. However, she ultimately found her true calling in rescuing captive-born domestic foxes. In 2017, she founded SaveAFox Rescue, which has since saved hundreds of animals by offering them medical care, socialization, and permanent homes.
Tragically, Mikayla Raines passed away by suicide on June 21, 2025, at the age of 29. Her husband, Ethan Frankamp, confirmed her death in an emotional video, attributing it to prolonged online bullying and harassment from individuals within the animal rescue community and her personal circle. Raines had long struggled with mental health issues, including depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder, which made her particularly sensitive to criticism.
Early Life and Background
Birth and Family
Mikayla Anne Raines was born on March 5, 1996, in Minnesota, United States. Raised by her mother, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, Mikayla developed an early love for animals. At the age of 15, she began volunteering with her mother, assisting in the rehabilitation of various wildlife species, including foxes. This experience ignited her passion for animal rescue and set the foundation for her future endeavors.
Education and Career Path
Mikayla pursued studies to become a veterinary technician, obtaining the necessary certifications. However, her true calling emerged when she began rescuing and rehabilitating captive-born foxes. In 2017, at the age of 21, she founded SaveAFox Rescue, a nonprofit organization focused on rescuing foxes from fur farms and providing them with safe, loving homes. Her decision to establish the rescue was driven by her deep empathy for these animals and her commitment to their well-being.
Career and Achievements
Founding SaveAFox Rescue
SaveAFox Rescue was established in Lakeville, Minnesota, in 2017. The organization quickly gained attention for its mission to rescue and rehabilitate foxes, many of which were surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them or were rescued from fur farms. Under Mikayla’s leadership, the rescue expanded its operations, eventually becoming the largest fox rescue in the United States.
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Social Media Presence and Advocacy
Mikayla utilized social media platforms to raise awareness about her rescue efforts and to educate the public about the challenges faced by captive-born foxes. Her YouTube channel, “SaveAFox,” garnered over 2.4 million subscribers, and her Instagram account amassed more than 500,000 followers. Through engaging videos and posts, she showcased the personalities of the foxes in her care, highlighting their intelligence and emotional depth. Her content not only entertained but also informed viewers about the importance of ethical animal care and the issues surrounding the exotic pet trade.
Exansion and Impact
As the demand for her rescue services grew, Mikayla expanded SaveAFox Rescue to include a second location in Florida. The organization also launched a fundraising campaign to rescue 500 foxes from a fur farm in Iowa, raising $700,000 to cover the costs of their rescue and relocation. These efforts underscored Mikayla’s unwavering commitment to providing a better life for foxes and other exotic animals.
Personal Life
Marriage and Family
In December 2020, Mikayla married Ethan Frankamp, who became an integral part of SaveAFox Rescue. Together, they had a daughter named Freya. Ethan supported Mikayla in her mission, assisting with the daily operations of the rescue and sharing her passion for animal welfare.
Mental Health Struggles
Mikayla faced personal challenges throughout her life, including depression, autism, and borderline personality disorder. Despite undergoing therapy and treatment, she continued to experience emotional difficulties. Her husband revealed that Mikayla was subjected to online bullying and harassment, which exacerbated her mental health struggles.
Death and Legacy
Passing
On June 21, 2025, Mikayla Raines tragically passed away by suicide. Her husband, Ethan, confirmed the news in a heartfelt video shared on SaveAFox Rescue’s social media platforms. He attributed her death to the compounded effects of mental health challenges and the severe online harassment she endured. Ethan expressed his grief and vowed to continue Mikayla’s mission, ensuring that SaveAFox Rescue remains a sanctuary for foxes and other exotic animals.
Conclusion
Mikayla Raines’ life was a testament to the power of compassion and dedication. Through SaveAFox Rescue, she transformed the lives of countless animals and inspired a global community of supporters. Her legacy continues to live on through the ongoing work of the rescue and the many individuals she touched. As we remember Mikayla, let us honor her memory by advocating for animal welfare, supporting mental health awareness, and standing against online harassment.
FAQs
What was Mikayla Raines known for?
Mikayla Raines was known for founding SaveAFox Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating foxes and other exotic animals.
When was Mikayla Raines born?
Mikayla Raines was born on March 5, 1996.
What led to Mikayla Raines’ death?
Mikayla Raines died by suicide on June 21, 2025, following prolonged mental health struggles and severe online harassment.
Who is Mikayla Raines’ husband?
Mikayla Raines’ husband is Ethan Frankamp, who supported her in her animal rescue efforts and continues to run SaveAFox Rescue in her honor.
What is SaveAFox Rescue?
SaveAFox Rescue is a nonprofit organization founded by Mikayla Raines in 2017, focused on rescuing and rehabilitating foxes and other exotic animals from fur farms and unfit homes.
How many subscribers did Mikayla Raines have on YouTube?
Mikayla Raines’ YouTube channel, “SaveAFox,” had over 2.4 million subscribers at the time of her death.
What was Mikayla Raines’ mission?
Mikayla Raines’ mission was to rescue and provide forever homes for captive-born, non-releasable wildlife, particularly foxes.
Did Mikayla Raines have any children?
Yes, Mikayla Raines had a daughter named Freya with her husband, Ethan Frankamp.
What was Mikayla Raines’ educational background?
Mikayla Raines studied to become a veterinary technician and obtained the necessary certifications before focusing on animal rescue.
