A New Home for Baby the Deer: A Story of Rescue and Rehabilitation
Introduction: The Journey of Baby the Deer
A 2-year-old male deer named Baby has found a new home after being confiscated from a woman accused of keeping him illegally. The Pennsylvania Game Commission confirmed to HuffPost that Baby has been placed in a licensed facility in the state, where he will remain permanently. The news comes after a viral video sparked widespread concern for the young buck’s safety and well-being. The video, taken on February 25, showed game wardens dragging Baby by a rope, while a woman in the background could be heard screaming, “You’re hurting him!” The clip prompted an outpouring of public outrage, with many demanding answers about Baby’s fate.
The Rescue Operation and Public Reaction
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has assured the public that Baby is now in a safe and appropriate environment. However, the agency has chosen not to disclose the exact location of the facility to protect both Baby and the facility from potential disturbance. The decision to confiscate Baby was made after authorities received a report that a wild deer was being kept as a pet. Tammy Shiery, a 64-year-old woman, was accused of unlawfully keeping Baby in captivity. Shiery and her neighbors had reportedly found Baby when he was just a few weeks old and had been caring for him since. Shiery claimed she had obtained the necessary vaccinations and even had Baby castrated, believing she had the proper paperwork to raise him as a farm pet. However, the game commission clarified that there is no permit that allows individuals to keep wildlife, especially animals born in the wild, as pets.
Legal Consequences for Tammy Shiery
The situation took a turn when Shiery allegedly interfered with a valid search warrant. According to a criminal complaint obtained by Pittsburgh station WPXI, Shiery refused to open a fence to allow law enforcement access to Baby. This led to her arrest on charges of resisting arrest, obstruction of justice, disorderly conduct, and taking possession of game or wildlife. Court records show that Shiery was taken into custody, and the case has sparked a broader conversation about the laws surrounding wildlife ownership. The game commission reiterated that there are no permits for keeping wild animals as pets, even if they are orphaned or injured. The only permits available are for animals born in captivity and purchased from licensed propagators.
Why Baby Cannot Return to the Wild
Unfortunately, Baby’s journey has taken a irreversible turn. According to the game commission, Baby has been castrated and “altered to prevent antler growth,” making it impossible for him to survive in the wild. Additionally, Baby has become “habituated to people,” meaning he has lost his natural fear of humans, which is crucial for survival in the wild. As a result, Baby cannot be released back into his natural habitat and will need to remain in captivity for the rest of his life. The game commission has stressed that this is always the case for wild animals that are raised by humans, as they lose the instincts necessary to fend for themselves in the wild.
A New Home for Baby
Despite the emotional challenges, the game commission has found a solution for Baby. A licensed facility in Pennsylvania has agreed to take Baby in and care for him permanently. The facility is equipped to provide the specialized care that Baby needs, ensuring his safety and well-being. While the exact location of the facility has not been disclosed, the game commission has assured the public that Baby is in good hands. This outcome is the best possible under the circumstances, as it allows Baby to live out his life in a safe and controlled environment.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Wildlife Conservation
The story of Baby the deer serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of respecting wildlife and adhering to conservation laws. While it is natural to feel compassion for orphaned or injured animals, raising them in captivity can often do more harm than good. Wild animals are meant to live in their natural habitats, and removing them from the wild can disrupt their instincts and make it impossible for them to survive on their own. The game commission’s decision to place Baby in a licensed facility ensures that he will receive the care he needs, while also upholding the principles of wildlife conservation. For Shiery and her neighbors, the situation has been emotionally challenging, but it also highlights the importance of understanding and following wildlife regulations. As Baby settles into his new home, the hope is that his story will serve as a lesson for others about the delicate balance between humans and wildlife.
