Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey's administration issued a permit to Newhouse Wildlife Rescue this week to let Nibi the beaver remain at the rehabilitation facility and serve as an educational animal.
"Nibi has captured the hearts of many of our residents, mine included," Healey said in a press release from her office. "We're excited to share that we have issued a permit for Nibi to remain in Newhouse's care, continuing to educate the public about this important species. I'm grateful to our state's dedicated wildlife biologists who work every day to care for Massachusetts wildlife, and I hope Nibi inspires more people to protect our natural world."
A longtime state representative leaving office in January 2025 cited the Massachusetts Legislature's refusal to put same-sex marriage to a statewide referendum as among his proudest moments in office.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in November 2003 issued a 4-3 ruling legalizing same-sex marriage in the state, the first jurisdiction in the United States to do so. It took effect May 17, 2004. Opponents of same-sex marriage gathered signatures of registered voters to bring to the statewide ballot a proposed amendment to the state constitution defining marriage as between one man and one woman.
