Governor Healey allows rescued beaver Nibi to stay at wildlife centre
Rescued beaver Nibi granted stay at wildlife rescue centre by governor
A 2-year-old beaver named Nibi will remain with her rescuers instead of being released into the wild, thanks to intervention by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. The state issued a permit allowing Nibi to stay at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue as an educational animal. Governor Healey expressed her delight, noting Nibi’s impact on local residents, including herself.
Nibi’s situation had reached the state courts, with a judge ruling on Tuesday that she could remain at the Chelmsford rescue center. A hearing was scheduled for Friday, following a case filed by the rescuers against MassWildlife to halt her release. On social media, Newhouse Wildlife Rescue expressed immense gratitude for the governor’s decision. Nibi has been a social media sensation for the rescue group, drawing thousands of comments and over 25,000 signatures on an online petition supporting her stay. Lawmakers also voiced their opinions, and Healey committed earlier in the week to ensuring Nibi’s protection.
Mark Tisa, director of MassWildlife, acknowledged the public’s concern for Nibi and other wildlife, encouraging education on beavers’ ecological roles. Jane Newhouse, founder and president of the rescue group, recounted their unsuccessful attempts to reunite Nibi with other beavers. She noted Nibi’s preference for human company, making a release into the wild seem unsuitable.
Nibi has captured the hearts of people in Massachusetts and around the country — including mine 🦫💕
I’m happy to report that we have issued a permit for Nibi to remain at a wildlife rescue as an educational beaver and inspire folks to protect our natural world. pic.twitter.com/VPYvP9iLRp
— Maura Healey (@MassGovernor) October 3, 2024
Nibi enjoys a large enclosure with a pool and free access to the rescue’s yard and rehabilitation space. Newhouse mentioned that everyone on the team adores Nibi, who even has the nickname “diva.” Newhouse had sought a permit from MassWildlife to allow Nibi to serve as an educational animal, fearing that a release would endanger her survival due to her lack of wild instincts.
Beavers typically leave their parents between ages 2 and 3, so Newhouse hopes Nibi might show interest in the wild within the next year. Until then, the aim is to keep her safe. Beavers are crucial for biodiversity in Massachusetts, creating wetlands that support various plants, insects, and wildlife. These animals, North America’s largest native rodents, can weigh between 35 and 80 pounds and live over 20 years, with few natural predators.
Officials stress that in most cases, it’s best to let wildlife remain undisturbed to avoid dependency on humans.
What Other Media Are Saying
- AP News reports that Nibi the beaver, a popular and beloved 2-year-old beaver, will remain at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Massachusetts due to Governor Maura Healey’s intervention, ensuring her safety and continued care.(read more)
- The Hour reports Nibi the ‘diva’ beaver will stay at Newhouse’s care pending a court ruling, with public support and education continuing to be a focus for her caregivers.(read more)
- ABC17News: Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey decides to keep Nibi, a 2-year-old beaver, at a rescue center for educational purposes, resolving a public outcry and legal battle.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Can Nibi the beaver stay with her rescuers?
Yes, Governor Maura Healey issued a permit for Nibi to stay at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue.
Why did Nibi need a permit to stay at the rescue center?
The permit allows Nibi to remain at the center as an educational animal instead of being released into the wild.
How did the public react to the news about Nibi?
Nibi’s story garnered thousands of comments and over 25,000 signatures on a petition to keep her at the rescue center.
Why can’t Nibi be released into the wild?
Nibi shows no interest in living in the wild or bonding with other beavers, according to her rescuers.
What role do beavers play in the environment?
Beavers are a keystone species that create healthy wetlands, support biodiversity, and store floodwaters by damming rivers and streams.
