Clearwater Sanctuary volunteers and permitted wildlife rehabilitators released three female beavers into the Bogue Falaya River in St. Tammany Parish after two years of rehabilitation.

A biologist gave wildlife rehabilitators Mike and Leslie Greene, of Farmerville, Louisiana, two 4-week-old orphaned beavers they named Cypress and Willow. Their mother was killed when their dam was destroyed by humans. Magnolia, the third beaver, came into the Greenes' care after her mother was shot by a hunter. The 8-week-old orphaned beaver was given to the Clearwater Wildlife Sanctuary and later to the Greenes to be raised with Cypress and Willow.

"They are important to a healthy ecosystem and very sensitive social creatures that are rarely aggressive unless being attacked," said founder and president of Clearwater Wildlife Sanctuary Nancy Torsion. Wildlife rehabilitator Leslie Greene said she was thrilled to see that the river, with its shallow and deep areas, was a perfect environment for the three beavers.

Clearwater Sanctuary is a state and federally licensed rehabilitation nonprofit that helps rehabilitate sick, injured and abandoned native Louisiana wildlife. It also offers wellness classes and retreats.