When people look up Mikayla Raines age, they are usually searching for the face of SaveAFox—the woman whose high-pitched "Finnegan!" calls became a staple of the wholesome side of YouTube. But by early 2026, that search carries a heavy weight. Mikayla wasn't just a "social media personality" or a "fox lady." She was a pioneer in animal rescue who, unfortunately, became a focal point of the intense, and sometimes cruel, scrutiny that comes with online fame.
Honestly, it’s hard to talk about her age without talking about how much she squeezed into three decades. Mikayla Raines was 30 years old when she passed away on June 20, 2025.
She lived a thousand lives in those 30 years. While most people in their early twenties are just figuring out a career path, Mikayla was already knee-deep in the logistics of running a non-profit. She didn't wait for "the right time" or for more experience. She just saw a need and filled it.
Setting the Record Straight on Mikayla Raines’ Age
There was a bit of confusion in the media immediately following her passing. Some outlets initially reported her age as 29, but official records and family statements confirmed she had reached her 30th birthday just months prior.
Mikayla was born on March 5, 1995, in Burnsville, Minnesota.
Growing up in the Midwest, she didn't just have a casual interest in pets. Her mother, Sandi Raines, has shared stories of Mikayla rescuing everything from snapping turtles to birds. She had this innate, almost vibrational connection with creatures that most people are taught to fear or avoid. By the time she founded SaveAFox in 2017, she was only 22 years old.
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Think about that for a second.
At 22, she was navigating the legalities of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, managing land, and taking in animals from fur farms that would have otherwise been culled. It’s a lot of pressure. Most of us at 22 are worried about entry-level jobs or graduate school applications. Mikayla was worried about the literal life and death of hundreds of animals.
The SaveAFox Timeline
- 1995: Mikayla is born in Minnesota.
- 2015-2016: She begins working more seriously with wildlife rehabilitation.
- 2017: SaveAFox is officially founded when she is 22.
- 2020: The channel explodes in popularity (The "Finnegan Fox" era).
- 2025: Mikayla passes away at age 30.
Why People Are Still Searching for Her
The interest in Mikayla Raines hasn't faded. In fact, in 2026, her legacy is perhaps more scrutinized and celebrated than ever. Her age matters to people because she represented a "Gen Z" shift in how we view animal activism. It wasn't about stuffy galas or corporate lobbying; it was about raw, unfiltered footage of a fox wagging its tail like a dog.
But there’s a darker side to why people look into her life. Her husband, Ethan Frankamp, has been very vocal about the mental health struggles Mikayla faced. She was open about being on the autism spectrum and dealing with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
When you combine those neurodivergent traits with the relentless, 24/7 cycle of social media, it’s a recipe for burnout. Or worse.
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People look at her age and wonder how someone so young, who seemingly had everything—a beautiful family, a thriving rescue, and millions of fans—could be struggling so deeply. It’s a reminder that "success" at 30 looks very different on the inside than it does on a YouTube thumbnail.
Dealing with the "Online Bullying" Narrative
One thing that comes up constantly when researching Mikayla Raines' age and life is the impact of the internet. Ethan mentioned that she felt targeted by "bullies" she once considered friends.
The animal rescue world is notoriously "cliquey" and high-stress. There are constant debates about the "right" way to rescue. Are you "exploiting" the animals for views? Are you "humanizing" them too much? For a 30-year-old dealing with BPD, these weren't just comments; they were personal attacks that felt like the end of the world.
The Reality of Running SaveAFox at 30
Running a rescue isn't just playing with foxes. It’s cleaning enclosures in -20°F Minnesota winters. It’s dealing with the smell of raw meat and fox musk (which, if you’ve ever been near it, is incredibly pungent).
By the time she was 30, Mikayla was also a mother to her daughter, Freya. Balancing the needs of a toddler with the needs of a high-maintenance rescue operation is something most people couldn't handle.
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A Quick Glance at the Facts
- Full Name: Mikayla Anne Raines (also known as Mikayla Frankamp)
- Birthplace: Burnsville, Minnesota
- Final Residence: Faribault, Minnesota
- Family: Survived by husband Ethan, daughter Freya, and mother Sandi.
- Legacy: SaveAFox continues to operate under the direction of her family and dedicated staff.
Moving Forward: What We Can Learn
Looking at Mikayla Raines' age and her life's work offers some pretty sharp insights into the modern world.
First, the "hustle culture" of your twenties is dangerous. Mikayla started her life’s work at an age when she was still developing emotionally. The pressure to maintain a "brand" while doing actual, physical labor is immense.
Second, empathy is a double-edged sword. The very thing that made her so good with foxes—her ability to feel what they felt—made her vulnerable to the vitriol of the internet.
If you're a fan of her work, the best way to honor her isn't just by watching old videos of Finnegan or Dixie. It's by supporting the ongoing mission of SaveAFox. They are still out there. They are still rescuing foxes from fur farms. They are still providing a "forever home" for animals that have nowhere else to go.
Actionable Steps for Supporters
If you want to keep her mission alive in 2026, here is what actually helps:
- Support Local Rescues: You don't have to go to Minnesota. Find a wildlife rehabber in your area. They are almost always underfunded and overworked.
- Mental Health Awareness: Understand that the creators you love are real people. Before typing a "critique," remember that there is a human on the other side of that screen who might be struggling more than you know.
- Donate Directly: If you want to help SaveAFox specifically, use their official website. Avoid third-party "tribute" fundraisers unless they are explicitly verified by the family.
- Educate Yourself on Fur Farms: Mikayla’s main goal was to end the fur trade. Supporting anti-fur legislation is the most direct way to reduce the number of foxes that need saving in the first place.
Mikayla Raines left this world at 30, but the impact she made on animal welfare is something most people wouldn't achieve if they lived to be 100. She showed the world that foxes aren't just "vermin" or "coats"—they are individuals with personalities, fears, and a lot of love to give.
Check the SaveAFox official website for the most recent updates on their current residents and how the transition of leadership has evolved since 2025.