In recent developments regarding Nibi the beaver, a Massachusetts judge has granted a temporary restraining order to keep the animal at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue. Despite protests and a Change.org petition that gathered over 15,000 signatures, it seemed that Nibi was set to be returned to the wild by MassWildlife, which maintains that rehabilitated animals should be released back into their natural habitats, as reported by CBS Boston.
To the relief of many, including state Rep. Marc Lombardo, an Associate Superior Court Justice issued the ruling on Tuesday, allowing Nibi to remain at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue. Nibi has gained a large following on social media since being rescued as a young orphan. Lombardo criticized the planned release as "ill conceived," particularly with winter approaching, when beavers typically prepare their dens and dams for survival. He has been an outspoken advocate for Nibi’s safety, emphasizing in a letter to Governor Maura Healey that "there is a right way and there can be a wrong way to achieve stated goals," despite the belief that the timing of the release was problematic. according to a NBC Boston coverage.
Governor Healey herself announced a pause on the plan, heeding the public and legislative appeal, and promised to "protect Nibi" in a media availability, suggesting a possible look into what's best for the beaver's future. "we're going to do everything we can to protect Nibi," Healey said, in a statement obtained by NBC Boston.
In response to the opposition to Nibi's release, Jane Newhouse, the owner of Newhouse Wildlife Rescue, has voiced her frustration over the lack of communication with MassWildlife. She asserts that, contrary to their assertions, MassWildlife did not reach out to her regarding the beaver's release until recently. "No one from MassWildlife has ever met this beaver," Newhouse told CBS Boston. Being questioned about their habeas corpus, local supporter State Rep. Colleen Garry spoke alongside Newhouse, criticizing MassWildlife's decision-making process regarding Nibi and the implied threats to Newhouse's license.
While the case of Nibi the orphaned beaver continues to navigate the judicial system, it raises important questions about wildlife rehabilitation and release protocols. For now, the furry creature remains at the Newhouse Wildlife Rescue Center, as public support and government officials come to her aid. More information on the next steps for Nibi is awaited, and Boston 25 News has reached out to Mass Wildlife for their response on this ongoing issue.
