Article by Kylee Hinde, Images by Jen Howard
Approximate Read Time: 3 Minutes
One of Procyon’s most adorable residents is Bagheera the domestic mink. Bagheera came to us in 2021 after being picked up by a caring finder. He was dragging his hind end and appeared to have suffered some paralysis as a result of an injury.
Upon his arrival it was clear to our staff that he was not the wild species of mink we were expecting to arrive with the hope of treating for release back into the wild. Bagheera is a European mink, bred for his thick coat to be used for fur.
Canada’s native wild mink are a dark brown and weigh around 1 kg. They are small; around the size of a grey squirrel! Domestically farmed European mink can come in all colour varieties and are about double to triple the size of their wild counterparts! Bagheera weighs just under 3kg (6.2 pounds).
He happens to be the luckiest guy in the world for having escaped a fur farm (we believe) and end up in our care! Because Bagheera is not a wild animal, we were unable to release him. He does not posses the skills necessary to survive a life in the wild and due to his specific care requirements, we decided the safest and best place for him would be right here with us! Bagheera’s paralysis healed up and he is able to use both of his back legs amazingly well! Today, he has an indoor enclosure inside our education trailer complete with large cat wheel, cat tree, and daily enrichment, as well as an outdoor enclosure where he has his own pond and endless spots for napping.
He serves as a reminder to the public about the realities of the Canadian fur industry, one that is still very much alive today. While the practice has declined, there are more than 25 fur farms left in Ontario. These farms primarily raise mink and fox for their coats. While fur farming is on the decline, Ontario and Nova Scotia remain the largest fur producing provinces. We need to tell our government we do not agree with the farming of these beautiful animals for their pelts and do away with fur farming. If you need another reason not to support the fur industry, Bagheera will gladly state his case!
If you come to our facility to drop off an animal or a donation, come say hello to this guy! He is adored by our volunteers and staff and we are so happy to provide him his soft forever landing.
For more information about Canadian fur farms, who to contact and how to help, please visit thefurbearers.com.