Mickey was an injured and orphaned kit beaver when he was found by Jean Yuill, who gave the beaver to the Forbes family to care for. As he was too young to be returned to the wild, the Forbes family applied to the government for permission to legally adopt a wild animal. Their request was approved. Doris Forbes named the kit Mickey and he became their family pet. Mickey became a tourist attraction for The City during the Second World War. He was used as a mascot during patriotic and civic events and had a cameo appearance in a Hollywood movie. It was once estimated that during his lifetime Mickey was seen by more than 20,000 visitors to The City of Red Deer.Mickey lived about nine years. Kerry Wood, a local naturalist, wrote a story about Mickey, which was published in an Elementary School Reader. Children who met Mickey and those who read about him were fascinated with the story. In the 1980s a "Mickey the Beaver" costume was professionally designed and has been worn by many people during ordinary and official events since that time. Mickey appeared in costume during the visits of a number of dignitaries to the city, including Lady Baden Powell and Madame de Gripenberg of Finland.In 1988, "Mickey" was made the official mascot for the Alberta Winter Games in Red Deer. Once again, he proved his popularity with the public. On October 12, 1993, "Mickey" was appointed an official mascot for The City of Red Deer by City Council.
General Information about Beavers
