Judge Rules Nibi the Orphaned Beaver Can Stay With Rescue Team: ‘We Should All Be On the Same Team’
A judge has ruled Nibi can stay with Newhouse Wildlife Rescue until the court hearing on Friday
Nibi the Beaver, a social media sensation for nearly two years, will stay with her rescue group for now. The orphaned beaver was taken in by Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Sturbridge, Massachusetts at a very young age and has grown up there.
MassWildlife is pushing for Nibi the Beaver’s return to the wild, stating that “wild animals like this one belong in the wild.”
What each party has said about Nibi the Beaver’s situation
Authorities claim that Nibi the Beaver is rehabilitated enough to return to the wild.
“The role of licensed wildlife rehabilitators is to care for sick and injured wildlife so that animals can be released back into the wild as soon as possible,” the authorities stated. “Newhouse Wildlife Rescue was informed in June that the beaver is healthy and must be returned to the wild, in accordance with their permit and state regulations.”
However, Newhouse argues that Nibi the Beaver is accustomed to life at the facility, and releasing her could risk her survival.
“No one from MassWildlife has ever met this beaver…We tried to make Nibi releasable…Nibi’s going to have to figure it out for the very first time and with it being October, if Nibi doesn’t get it right the first time I don’t think she’s going to make it.”
The courts are now involved with Nibi the Beaver
With no agreement in sight, the courts have stepped in to decide Nibi the Beaver’s fate. An injunction was filed against the state, which resulted in the issuance of a temporary restraining order on behalf of Newhouse from Associate Superior Court Justice Cathleen Campbell.
“This Order prohibits the removal of Nibi the Beaver from Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford, Massachusetts and/or her release back into the wild,” Campbell wrote. “This Order shall remain in full force and effect pending a full hearing and a further Order of this Court.” A hearing is scheduled for Friday, October 4, which will determine Nibi’s fate.
Newhouse responds to the decision and support from fans
While the restraining order is a good start, it does not mean that Nibi will be able to stay with Newhouse much longer. Newhouse shared that they are completely heartbroken over the entire situation and that everyone should be working together.
“I shouldn’t be working against the state to try and save an animal, especially a keystone species…We should all be on the same team.”
Newhouse has shared a post regarding their stance on the situation, which reads, “#DontTouchMyBeaver #NibiStrong Thank you all for your support in keeping Nibi with Newhouse Wildlife.”
There is also a petition going around on Change.org to protect Nibi from “unnecessary removal from Newhouse Wildlife,” which you can sign. It currently has over 25,000 signatures.
Government has gotten involved in the Nibi case
State Representative Marc Lombardo has shared his point of view on the situation. “In the case of Nibi the Beaver, I am deeply concerned that a release back to the wild at this time of the year is ill conceived and will put the animal’s life in danger.”
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey shared that she plans to protect Nibi from being released. “I know from my own team about Nibi the beaver, and I can tell you this — we’re going to do everything we can to protect Nibi, and I appreciate those who care for wildlife.”
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