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Timing is everything, especially for our four-legged friends who have limited time on this Earth.
Her journey from rescue to rehabilitation with the help of Holley is a good example of that.
She shares her home with several other rescue beavers, helping her learn to socialize with her own species.
This socialization is a crucial step in preparing Tulip for her eventual release back into her natural habitat.
Tulips journey has also made her a valuable subject of scientific research.
She was alone and tiny.
In Mississippi, beavers are classified as a nuisance species meaning they can be killed anytime.
The men brought her to North Mississippi Mammal Wildlife Rehab.
She was then transported to South Mississippi to Woodside Wildlife Rescue where I volunteer.
I took her home and began medical treatments for pneumonia and bumblefoot.
She had to live inside and receive antibiotics.
Once she was healthy enough to go outside, I began introducing her to my other young beavers.
Normally this bacteria wouldnt be an issue but because she had a weak immune system, she became infected.
The infection was all over her back and she lost all the fur.
She had to take more antibiotics and receive topical skin medicine.
Because her back was very sensitive and needed medication, I found that premie onesies fit her perfectly.
The shirts helped her back stay protected.
She particularly likes to put them into a pile in front of her den.
They also did not seem to like Tulip.
So Tulip continued socializing with her human family.
This year we received Petunia as a tiny newborn.
Once Petunia was strong and healthy enough to go outside we introduced Tulip to her.
Now they spend many hours together.
Tulip seems to understand that Petunia is just a baby and needs to be taken care of.
Tulip is being the best big sister to Petunia.
There isnt a lot known about beaver veterinary medicine.
Beavers are hind-gut fermenters.
I am also collecting data on social behavior and vocalizations.
Beavers seem to rely heavily on familiar contact calls in addition to vocalizing warnings and play.
Beavers are a lot smarter than people give them credit for.
This was due to the old belief that smooth brains meant not-intelligent, and beavers have relatively smooth brains.
We now know that smart brains come in all shapes and sizes.
I am fascinated by beaver cognition and how they work together to accomplish goals.
They are not satisfied with enclosures and begin looking for different things to experience.
I will be watching Tulip closely for any signs that she is in a seeking mode.
Because we are building a beaver sanctuary, each rehab beaver will go through three phases for release.
The first phase are safe/secure enclosures for young beavers that they stay in for about 2 years.
Phase two is a practice pond with several fenced-in acres.
They will move to this area and continue to receive daily meals and have a lodge provided for them.
A large pond with a forest.
We will provide a lodge at the pond but no food.
The beavers will officially be released at that point.
