A Massachusetts court is currently determining whether a two-year-old beaver named Nibi will stay with her rescuers or be released into the wild as winter nears. This case has sparked a significant response, even drawing comments from the governor.
Adam Teper, the lawyer for Nibi’s rescuers, expressed amazement at the global support for the beaver’s protection. On Tuesday, a judge ruled that Nibi could remain at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford, northwest of Boston, until a hearing on Friday. The rescuers are challenging MassWildlife’s decision to release her.
Nibi has garnered a strong social media following since she was a baby, and recent posts about her potential release have received thousands of comments. An online petition to prevent her release has amassed over 25,000 signatures. Lawmakers have also shown support, and Governor Maura Healey has committed to ensuring Nibi’s safety.
MassWildlife denied @NewhouseRescue an educational license for Nibi the beaver and they want to *force her release* as soon as possible. Nibi was raised by humans. She’s a domesticated beaver and won’t survive in the wild. Please sign & share: https://t.co/ZAWMXkKcaa pic.twitter.com/KzuPnMnEXL
— Erin Gallagher (@3r1nG) September 30, 2024
Jane Newhouse, the founder and president of the rescue group, recounted how they found Nibi by the roadside and unsuccessfully tried to reunite her with local beavers. Further attempts to bond her with other orphaned beavers also failed. “It’s tough to release her when she seems to prefer human company and shows no interest in bonding with other beavers,” Newhouse said.
Nibi enjoys a spacious enclosure with a pool at the rescue centre and often roams the yard and rehabilitation space. “She has free run of the place, and everyone on my team adores her,” Newhouse added.
During the summer, Newhouse sought a permit from MassWildlife to designate Nibi as an educational beaver, allowing her to visit schools, libraries, and town halls. However, the permit was denied, and MassWildlife ordered her release. The agency did not respond immediately to a request for comment on Wednesday.
Newhouse fears that releasing Nibi would be fatal, as she lacks the skills to survive in the wild. “She hasn’t learned how to build a lodge, construct dams, or store food for winter,” she said. Beavers generally leave their parents between the ages of two and three, so Nibi might develop an interest in the wild over the next year. Until then, Newhouse wants to keep her safe. “She loves her life here,” she said. “She’s spoiled, with plenty of space to run around, her own pond, and all the food she wants.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- CBS News reports on Nibi the beaver, an orphaned beaver at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, facing release into the wild despite protests and a temporary restraining order from a judge to keep her safe.(read more)
- U.S. News covers the legal battle over Nibi the beaver, a popular rescue, as rescuers fight to keep her in captivity due to concerns about her survival in the wild.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What’s the dispute about Nibi the beaver?
The dispute is whether Nibi should stay with her rescuers or be released into the wild.
Who is supporting Nibi staying with her rescuers?
The rescuers, the public, lawmakers, and Governor Maura Healey support Nibi staying.
Why can’t Nibi be released into the wild?
Nibi doesn’t know how to survive in the wild and prefers human company.
What is Newhouse’s concern about releasing Nibi?
Newhouse fears Nibi would not survive, as she doesn’t know how to build lodges, dams, or store food.
What has Newhouse done to keep Nibi legally?
Newhouse asked for a permit to make Nibi an educational beaver, but it was denied.
