RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta – Every Ap ril 7 is observed as International Beaver Day, a moment to raise awareness about the importance of beavers as “ecosystem engineers” that help restore wetlands and combat climate change. Behind this commemoration lies the inspiring story of a woman who dedicated her life to these animals.

That woman is Dorothy Richards, a naturalist known as the “Beaver Woman” for her close relationship with beavers. Dorothy spent more than 50 years studying their behavior, even living near their habitat. Together with her husband, Al Richards, she founded the Beaversprite Sanctuary in the Adirondack Mountains, New York, as a center for conservation and education.

Her dedication was so remarkable that Dorothy obtained a special permit to keep beavers in her home. Two successive beaver families lived in an extension of her house known as the “Y,” complete with a concrete pool that allowed them to swim freely in and out. From there, Dorothy was able to closely observe their behavior.

For five decades, Dorothy opened her home to the public and welcomed more than 100,000 visitors. Through education, she successfully changed public perception, from seeing beavers as pests to recognizing their vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

Her efforts, along with fellow conservationists, led to a major milestone. In 1975, the beaver was officially designated as the state animal of New York.

Despite having no formal scientific training, Dorothy also served as director of Defenders of Wildlife for nearly three decades (1948–1976). She later documented her life story in the book Beaversprite: My Years Building an Animal Sanctuary, co-written with Hope Sawyer Buyukmihci.

In recognition of her extraordinary dedication, the organization Beavers: Wetlands & Wildlife designated April 7, her birthday, as International Beaver Day, first celebrated in 2009. Today, after facing periods of closure and management challenges, the Beaversprite Sanctuary is managed by Utica Zoo and has reopened as a conservation education center.

Dorothy’s story proves that even a simple passion can grow into a lasting contribution to the environment. International Beaver Day serves as a reminder that every small action for nature truly matters.