Meet Justin Beaver: The Superstar Resident at Second Chances Wildlife Center in Louisville, Kentucky

Second Chances Wildlife Center in Louisville, Kentucky, is home to a superstar – Justin Beaver. This adorable beaver has quickly become the most famous resident at the animal rescue, capturing the hearts of everyone who meets him.

The center’s director and environmental educator, Brigette Brouillard, is the caretaker of Justin Beaver, who was brought to Second Chances after another rehabber found it challenging to meet the orphaned beaver’s high maintenance needs. Despite his cuteness, Justin Beaver, or JB as he is affectionately called, requires a lot of time and money to care for.

Typically, the center would rehabilitate animals like JB and release them back into the wild once they are healthy and old enough. However, since Justin was orphaned at a young age, he has become a permanent resident at Second Chances. Brouillard explained, “Beavers stay with their natural families for at least two years, and because they are so close-knit, we simply cannot release one beaver.”

Justin Beaver has a special role at the center – he goes on tours to schools, parks, Scouts, and libraries to educate people about wildlife and the importance of coexisting with animals. To ensure Justin’s comfort and well-being, the center is raising funds to build him his own outdoor enclosure, suitable for a growing beaver.

Currently weighing 20 pounds, Justin is expected to reach 50 or 60 pounds as he grows. In the meantime, he enjoys spending time outside and indulging in his favorite foods like sweet potatoes, kale, apples, pears, and leaves when in season. Despite his love for gnawing on wood, Justin Beaver has stolen the spotlight at Second Chances Wildlife Center with his charm and important role in educating the community about wildlife conservation.