Mikayla Raines, founder of Minnesota’s Save A Fox rescue, dies at 29, husband says – CBS News

Report on Mikayla Raines and Save A Fox Sanctuary: Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Mikayla Raines, founder of the Minnesota-based Save A Fox rescue, passed away by suicide at the age of 29. Known for her dedication to animal welfare, her work aligns closely with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Background and Achievements

1. Founding of Save A Fox: Established in 2017 in Lakeville, Minnesota, Save A Fox focused on rescuing and rehabilitating foxes and other animals, contributing to SDG 15 by promoting the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.
2. Animal Rescue Impact: Mikayla saved hundreds of animals, including 500 foxes from a fur farm, emphasizing responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and fostering biodiversity.
3. Community Engagement and Awareness: Through social media platforms like YouTube, she raised awareness about animal welfare and autism, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 3 by advocating mental health awareness.

Challenges and Advocacy

• Permit Issues: Despite conflicts with local authorities regarding sanctuary permits, Mikayla expanded her operations to Rice County, demonstrating resilience and commitment to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• Mental Health Struggles: Mikayla openly struggled with autism, depression, and borderline personality disorder, advocating for autism awareness and mental health support, directly addressing SDG 3.
• Online Bullying: She faced significant online harassment, highlighting the need for inclusive and safe digital environments as part of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Legacy and Future Plans

Following her passing, her husband Ethan Raines expressed a commitment to continue her mission, emphasizing community support and collective action. Plans for a memorial event aim to honor her contributions and inspire ongoing efforts in animal rescue and mental health advocacy.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Mikayla’s advocacy for mental health and autism awareness promotes well-being and support for vulnerable populations.
• SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities: Her work with animals and mental health advocacy addresses social inclusion and support for marginalized groups.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: By rescuing animals from fur farms, she challenged unethical production practices.
• SDG 15 – Life on Land: The sanctuary’s focus on fox conservation contributes to protecting biodiversity and ecosystems.
• SDG 16 – Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Addressing online bullying and promoting safe communities aligns with fostering peaceful and inclusive societies.

Support Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or suicidal crisis, please reach out to the following resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org

Conclusion

Mikayla Raines’ dedication to animal welfare and mental health advocacy represents a profound contribution to multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Her legacy continues through the Save A Fox sanctuary and the ongoing support from her family and community.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article discusses mental health issues including depression, borderline personality disorder, autism, and suicide, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and support.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article focuses on animal rescue efforts, particularly the Save A Fox sanctuary, which works to protect and re-home foxes and other animals, contributing to the conservation of terrestrial ecosystems.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article mentions advocacy for autism awareness, which relates to reducing inequalities faced by people with disabilities.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
2. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect endangered species.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Suicide mortality rate (Indicator 3.4.2) is implied by the mention of suicide and mental health crises.
   • Proportion of people receiving mental health support or accessing mental health services (implied through advocacy and hotline usage).
2. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Number of species protected or re-homed (implied by the rescue and re-homing of foxes).
   • Area of protected terrestrial ecosystems (implied by the sanctuary’s expansion and conservation efforts).
3. SDG 10 Indicators
   • Level of awareness and inclusion of people with autism and other disabilities (implied through advocacy efforts).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: cbsnews.com