Nibby, the ‘diva’ beaver at the center of a Massachusetts court battle, was ordered to become an ‘academic’ beaver

This creature is lucky to have a dam.

A “diva” otter named Nibby will get a chance to spend her days at the Massachusetts Wildlife Rescue she calls home — thanks to officials who halted plans to release her back into the wild that her keepers feared would happen. Was that it would mean certain death.

The plight of this clever woodland creature has touched the hearts of thousands of people who signed an online petition in protest of the state wildlife agency’s order to release Nibby back into the open – even though he spent his life with people And he had no skills. to survive.

Just as the fight over Nibbie’s fate was about to go to court, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey intervened – and took up the state’s issue. permit “Diva” Wood Chopper was allowed to live as an “educational” animal at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue on Thursday.

“Nibby has captured the hearts of many of our residents, including mine,” Healy said Thursday.

“We are pleased to share that we have issued a permit for Nibby to remain in Newhouse’s care to educate the public about this important species.”

An online petition to save Nibi from being released into the wild received more than 25,000 signatures, drawing the attention of lawmakers across the state.

Nibby’s fate reached the state courts even before Governor Healey arrived.

The beloved otter – who is a fan favorite on social media – will remain in her home at a rescue center in Chelmsford, northwest of Boston.

A hearing was scheduled for Friday in a case filed by the defense group against MassWildlife, the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, to stop the release.

Nibby’s rescuers at Newhouse Wildlife Rescue said on their Facebook page that they were “very grateful” for Healy’s decision.

“All we care about is what’s best for the beaver known as Nibby and all wild animals across our state,” MassWildlife Director Mark Tisa said in a statement Thursday. “We share the public’s passion for wildlife and invite everyone to learn more about beavers and their important place in our environment.”

Jane Newhouse, founder and president of the rescue group, has said that after Nibby was found on the side of the road, they tried to introduce her to nearby otters who could have been her parents, but were unsuccessful.

After that, attempts to bond him with other otters did not work.

“He has the whole place. Everyone on my team loves him,” she said.

Newhouse said Nibby has a large enclosure with a pool at the rescue, and he will also roam around in his yard and rehabilitation space.

Newhouse said she fears release would mean certain death for her beloved otter, who has never experienced the rough and tough wilderness.

“It doesn’t give him that much time … to figure out how to build a lodge the first time, how to build a dam the first time, how to store all his food before winter sets in,” he said.

Newhouse said otters typically leave their parents between the ages of 2 and 3, so it’s possible that next year Nibby will show more interest in wanting to live in the wild. But until that happens, she wants to keep him safe.

with post wires