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Jose and Justin have been busy this winter. As have our staff who have been working, like you-know-whats to protect the trees in the forest.
Jose and Justin Were Here (photo by Ivo M. Vermeulen)
| Ann Rafalko is Director of Online Content. |
The story of José and Justin Beaver is a tale of two tails.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the furry duo, perhaps we should offer an introduction. You see, José Beaver is no ordinary beaver. José is, in fact, the first confirmed beaver living within New York City limits in the more than 200 years since his furry forebears were hunted and trapped into local extinction for their luxurious pelts. Beavers were once so important to New York City they are featured on the city’s seal, and frequently act as adornment on buildings around town (and in place names, too).
So, you can see why such a fuss was made when José’s very existence in New York City was confirmed. José is a living link to history. And it only got better when, in October, the existence of José’s pal was confirmed. In a nod to popular culture, he was dubbed Justin Beaver (though, it remains possible that Justin may one day be deemed a Justine–beavers are notoriously hard to sex).
Head below the jump for more on why José and Justin are more than just cute, furry face.