On Monday, August 24, 2026, the Francis Small Heritage Trust had the privilege of hosting the Saco River Wildlife Center (SRWC) at our Jagolinzer Preserve for a heart-warming release. Three orphaned minks—named Jack, Janet, and Chrissy—were returned to their natural habitat after months of care and rehabilitation.
The young minks originally came to SRWC in the spring as tiny orphans. Under the care of dedicated foster mom Sylvia, they were bottle-fed and nursed to health until they were mature enough to forage and survive independently. When SRWC reached out searching for a release site with suitable cover and direct access to both fresh running stream water and the river, Jagolinzer Preserve was selected as the perfect environment.
Board members from FSHT joined Cathy Dragoni, Meredith, and Sylvia from SRWC to carry the carrier crates along the trail down to the water’s edge. One by one, the doors were opened, and the curious trio stepped out into the pine needles and stream banks to explore their new, permanent sanctuary.
This successful release highlights the value of conserved lands like Jagolinzer Preserve—not only as places for community enjoyment, but as vital, safe sanctuaries for local wildlife. We are immensely grateful to the team at Saco River Wildlife Center for their dedication to wildlife rehabilitation and for letting us share in this special moment.
