Holly, a dedicated volunteer with Woodside Wildlife Rescue, has an inspiring tale to tell about Petunia, a baby beaver found alone in a field.
When Petunia was discovered, she was less than a week old and in desperate need of help.
The rescue team quickly took her in, and Holly, whose main focus at the rescue is caring for beavers, was there to guide her through the journey to recovery.
From the moment she arrived at the rescue, Petunia displayed a feisty and energetic personality.
She loved playing with plush toys, showing off her strong instincts.
Living in a puppy kennel, Petunia needed constant supervision, as she had a knack for getting into trouble.
Her razor-sharp teeth could gnaw through almost anything she found, making her quite the handful when she was awake.
Beavers in rehabilitation, like Petunia, have a natural tendency to move things around, often creating piles or dams inside the house.
This behavior kept Holly busy, as she had to constantly manage Petunia’s environment to ensure her safety.
Despite the challenges, Holly embraced her role as a “beaver mom,” understanding how crucial this care was for Petunia’s mental health and well-being.
Holly’s commitment to Petunia meant that vacations were out of the question.
The constant care required for the young beaver was all-consuming, but Holly found immense joy and privilege in being part of Petunia’s life.
She understood that her dedication played a vital role in preparing Petunia for a future release back into the wild, a process that can take up to two or three years.
Petunia wasn’t alone in her journey at Woodside Wildlife Rescue.
She had a 1.5-year-old beaver companion named Tulip. Introducing the tiny beaver to an older one was a learning experience for Holly.
Initially, Tulip was unsure about Petunia, but over time, the two began forming a positive bond.
Petunia spent her nights indoors and her days outside with Tulip, allowing her to learn and grow under Tulip’s watchful eye.
At around two months old, determining Petunia’s gender was still uncertain, as beavers are notoriously difficult to sex without an X-ray.
Despite this uncertainty, Holly continued to care for Petunia with unwavering dedication.
In Mississippi, beavers are often classified as a nuisance species, but Holly’s work highlights their importance in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Beyond her volunteer work, Holly is a University Research Professor who studies the connection between humans and wildlife.
Her research underscores the importance of beavers in creating healthier environments.
Beavers play a crucial role in protecting humans from floods and fires, making them indispensable in solving many environmental issues.
As Petunia grows, she will eventually be released back into the wild, typically around two years old.
The transition back to nature is a crucial part of her rehabilitation, ensuring she can thrive independently.
Holly’s joy and sense of privilege in caring for Petunia reflect the dedication and compassion required in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.
The story of Petunia is not just about a single beaver; it’s about the commitment to preserving wildlife and the ecosystems they support.
Holly’s experience as a “beaver mom” at Woodside Wildlife Rescue showcases the profound impact that dedicated care and understanding can have on these remarkable animals.
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Through her efforts, Petunia and other beavers like her have a chance to grow, thrive, and contribute to the health of our environment, reminding us of the vital connection between humans and the natural world.
As she continues her journey with Petunia, Holly remains committed to educating others about the importance of beavers and the need for wildlife conservation.
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Holly’s story with Petunia is a beautiful example of how one person’s dedication can change the life of an animal in need.
Her commitment not only gives Petunia a second chance but also contributes to a larger understanding of the importance of wildlife conservation.
Check out Petunia’s full story in the video below!
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