CHELMSFORD – Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey visited Nibi the beaver on Friday, who is now stay in a wildlife rescue thanks to the governor’s intervention.
Two years in rescue care
Nibi was young and orphaned when she was rescued by Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Sturbridge two years ago. She has since been cared for by the Chelmsford Rescue.
Healey met Jane Newhouse, who leads the rescue effort, and met Nibi. She said Nibi is very cute and was resting inside after a busy week.
“Thank you for your care and attention to wildlife,” Healey told Newhouse. “Your care and concern for wildlife. We all care about our creatures and we want to do everything we can to support them, protect them, care for them when they are injured, and that is what Jane is doing here.”
MassWildlife initially told the rescue that they should release Nibi back into the wild. Newhouse Wildlife refused, saying she would die if left to fend for herself in the wild. A judge issued a temporary restraining order on Tuesday. allowing Nibi to stay for now at Newhouse Wildlife. Healey then granted a special permit for Nibi to remain with the rescue as an educational animal.
Hopes to educate the public
“I was just happy that we could help and make sure Nibi stays here with Jane and can introduce the public to what beavers are all about,” Healey said.
“The goal here is to take what happened to Nibi and try to educate as many people as possible to fall in love with beavers and learn how to live with beavers,” Newhouse said.
Newhouse said the plan is to teach in small groups so as not to put pressure on Nibi.
