A visually impaired white-tailed fawn named Peanut has a future. After weeks of uncertainty, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources issued a permit allowing the young deer to live at an educational facility rather than face euthanasia, officials confirmed to ClickOnDetroit.
Peanut is a visually impaired white-tailed fawn.
Why a Permit Was the Only Path
Michigan limits how long rehabilitators can keep fawns. Animals held past early October are typically released or humanely euthanized because they are unlikely to survive winter if reintroduced too late.
“Fawns and other white-tailed deer are native species of wild animals that belong in the wild. They aren’t meant to be pets,” DNR spokesperson John Pepin told WLUC TV6, explaining that late releases struggle to endure the cold months.
The Decision and the Destination
With a veterinary evaluation in hand and a formal facility request filed, the DNR approved a Live Animal Programs permit for Peanut, a rare step reserved for permanently injured or otherwise non-releasable wildlife. The agency said the fawn will be kept for education rather than released, Hoodline reports.
While the DNR did not initially disclose the site, the Detroit Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) said Peanut will live at the Howell Nature Center as an “educational ambassador,” according to Blue Water Healthy Living.
She was initially slated for euthanasia due to October release rules.
How Peanut Got Here
DAWG rescued Peanut in poor condition; she could not stand or lift her head at intake. Staff say she steadily regained strength but remained visually impaired, making release unsafe, Blue Water Healthy Living reports. The organization transferred the fawn to a licensed facility and pursued educational placement as the October deadline approached.
Public Pressure and Bipartisan Support
The case drew an outpouring of calls and letters to state leaders.
“The plight of this wild fawn has generated tremendous bipartisan support from legislators and people across Michigan and beyond,” Pepin said told WLUC TV6.
State Rep. Angela Rigas argued Peanut’s life was at risk due to a “bureaucratic technicality,” in a letter signed by members of both parties, FOX 2 Detroit reports.
Public pressure surged after advocacy posts and media coverage.
The Larger Picture
The DNR says its rules exist to protect wild deer and manage disease risks like chronic wasting disease. Only non-releasable animals may be authorized for education, after veterinary review and Wildlife Division approval, per FOX 2 Detroit. The agency also notes ongoing litigation with DAWG in separate cases and is withholding comment on those matters for now.
For Peanut, the outcome is clear: a permanent, purposeful home where her story will teach others about the challenges—and possibilities—of humane wildlife care[.](https://bluewaterhealthyliving.com/news/local-news/michigan/peanut-the-fawn-spared-after-dnr-reverses-euthanasia-order-amid-public-outcry/)
