Fate of Massachusetts' Famous Beaver Is Decided

Massachusetts governor steps in
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Oct 4, 2024 8:11 AM CDT
Fate of Massachusetts' Beloved Beaver Is Decided
This photo provided by Newhouse Wildlife Rescue shows Nibi as a kit at the Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford, Mass., in approximately 2022.   (Jane Newhouse/Newhouse Wildlife Rescue via AP)

The question of whether a 2-year-old beaver named Nibi can stay with the rescuers she has known since she was a baby or must be released into the wild was resolved Thursday when the Massachusetts governor stepped in to protect Nibi. The state issued a permit to Newhouse Wildlife Rescue for Nibi to remain at the rehabilitation facility and serve as an educational animal. "Nibi has captured the hearts of many of our residents, mine included," Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey said Thursday. "We're excited to share that we have issued a permit for Nibi to remain in Newhouse's care, continuing to educate the public about this important species."

Nibi's fate had made it all the way to the state courts before Healey stepped in, reports the AP. A hearing had been set for Friday in a case filed by the rescuers against MassWildlife, the state's division of fisheries and wildlife, to stop the release. Nibi's rescuers at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue said on Facebook that they were "beyond grateful" for Healey's decision. Nibi has been a hit on the rescue group's social media since she was a baby, and posts about her impending release garnered thousands of comments.

An online petition to save Nibi from being released into the wild received over 25,000 signatures, lawmakers weighed in, and earlier this week Healey pledged to make sure Nibi is protected. Jane Newhouse, the rescue group's founder and president, has said that after Nibi was found on the side of the road, they tried to reunite her with nearby beavers who could have been her parents but were unsuccessful. After that, attempts to get her to bond with other beavers also didn't work. Newhouse said that beavers usually leave their parents between the ages of 2 and 3, so it's possible that over the next year Nibi will show more interest in wanting to be in the wild.

(More beavers stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X