Beaver who escaped to find mate welcomes first kit
16 hours ago
- #Breeding Success
- #Animal Behavior
- #Wildlife Conservation
- Steve the beaver, known for escaping his enclosure to find a mate, has welcomed his first kit with Doris in Wales.
- He was relocated from Wallington after multiple escape attempts, believed to be driven by his instinct to find a partner.
- The kit was born around late May, keeping Steve too busy to attempt further escapes.
- Steve was originally released at Wallington in 2023 as part of a beaver family, but storms damaged fencing, allowing his escapes.
- The National Trust Wallington estate also reported at least two new beavers in 2026, marking the third consecutive year of successful breeding.
- Each kit typically stays with its mother for about two years before seeking its own territory.