Trinity art installation to honour Sam the fox

Posted on: 01 April 2022

Trinity College Dublin has released plans for its next art installation project in recognition of the importance of campus biodiversity and college’s diversity.

The university has commissioned artwork to honour Sam the Trinity Fox, chosen as a symbol of independence, nature, playfulness and species diversity. Work on the installation will begin over the summer months with a plan to have it officially unveiled at the beginning of the new academic year 2022/23.

Trinity spokesperson said:

Trinity has a long tradition of commemorating individuals that have made a particular mark on College life. While Sam, the Trinity Fox, is the first four-legged creature to be honoured in this way, there is no denying her importance.  Her inclusion is a mark of College’s increased emphasis on diversity of representation. 

Sam the Trinity Fox became a celebrity during the pandemic lockdown when she was spotted having the run of the city centre. Sam was found to have bad mange, which can be deadly in foxes, before being cured by antibiotics by Trinity Zoology Research Assistant,  Collie Ennis.  Sam is not one to be beaten and is the picture of resilience as she was also hit by a bus late last year and survived.

Staff, students, alumni and the public were further delighted when, a year after being found emaciated and mange-ridden, Sam met her Prince and went on to have five cubs last spring. She gave birth in the Provost’s garden on the university campus.

Foxes are not new to the Trinity college community as they have been breeding in the area of the Provost’s garden on campus since 2007.

Trinity Zoology Research Assistant, Collie Ennis, said:

I think this artwork will do wonders for on-campus inter-species relations. Hopefully we can include other resident creatures like sea gulls and pigeons in the future.

Sam could not be reached for comment but her agent said she was pleased but probably more interested in her next meal.

ENDS