Foxes at Google London HQ: Rooftop Garden Squatters
- despite a billion-dollar investment and over a decade of construction, Google's new London office has unexpected tenants: urban foxes.The Thomas Heatherwick-designed building in King's Cross,dubbed a "landscraper," is...
- The foxes have colonized the rooftop garden, which spans several floors and the length of the building.
- The London Centric newsletter first reported the story,noting that contractors are dealing with the foxes during the final fit-out.
Urban foxes have audaciously claimed Google’s new London headquarters as their own, turning the rooftop garden into a fox haven. Construction is nearly complete, yet a “skulk” now resides in the “landscraper” building. The furry squatters are causing a stir ahead of Google’s employee move-in. Pest control experts propose the foxes might potentially be dining on rats, thriving in a garden designed for wildlife. With google employees soon settling in,the question of co-existence with the fox inhabitants becomes a pressing concern. Discover the challenges of urban progress and the dynamic relationship between google’s aspiring project and the city’s wildlife – find more insights from News Directory 3. What will be the future for these surprising tenants?
Foxes Colonize Google’s New London Headquarters
Updated June 10, 2025
despite a billion-dollar investment and over a decade of construction, Google’s new London office has unexpected tenants: urban foxes.The Thomas Heatherwick-designed building in King’s Cross,dubbed a “landscraper,” is nearly complete,but a “skulk” of foxes has already moved in.
The foxes have colonized the rooftop garden, which spans several floors and the length of the building. Google’s 7,000 incoming staffers may have to share their prime real estate with the animals.
The London Centric newsletter first reported the story,noting that contractors are dealing with the foxes during the final fit-out. The foxes reportedly colonized the building early in construction and now live on the top floor.
Google confirmed the sightings, stating that fox appearances are common at construction sites and have had minimal impact on construction. However, sources told The Guardian that a fox lives in a hole in the garden and roams throughout the building. The animals are also reportedly leaving droppings in the office complex.
Pest control experts suggest the foxes might potentially be living off rats.Mosh Latifi, co-director of EcoCare, noted the proximity of rats in urban environments. Another expert suggested leaking pipes and handouts could be sustaining the foxes. They added that London is a playground for foxes,and they will go anywhere.
With a lifespan of three to four years, the foxes could thrive in the garden, which is designed to attract wildlife. They are currently safe from human interaction, a common situation for London’s fox population.
What’s next
It remains to be seen how Google will manage its new,furry tenants once employees move in. The company may need to implement strategies to coexist with the foxes or relocate them to a more suitable habitat. The situation highlights the challenges of urban development and wildlife.