Meet Boone, the Most Famous Raccoon in Kentucky

Should  We Get a Pet Raccoon?

For years, my husband has wanted a pet raccoon. For years, I have told him that a pet raccoon was a dealbreaker for me. I've heard that some pet raccoons are sweet and cuddly, but most of them are wild animals that are allowed to stay in the house. Remember, they have opposable thumbs and a hankering for mischief.

He let it slip about a year ago that he put a deposit down on one for our family, but rescinded it after talking to former owners about how challenging having a pet raccoon can be.

So, our family remains raccoonless, except for the ones who sneak up on our deck at night that my 15-pound dog has a ball chasing off.

A Rootin' Tootin' Raccoon

I was poking around on Facebook yesterday and saw a video that made me smile enough that I sent it to my husband. Hopefully, he won't get the raccoon bug again.

The video features a raccoon named Boone that lives at the Nolin Wildlife Sanctuary. He was scampering around in a custom-made raccoon hammock and dancing to "Rump Shaker." Originally, I thought it was because, without constant supervision, those rambunctious raccoons can really get into things but Boone is actually a special needs raccoon.

Who is Boone the Raccoon, and Why Can't He Walk

Boone can move his limbs, but can’t coordinate enough to walk on his own. He was born with it.

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Boone the Raccoon from Kentucky is Famous

Boone has been featured in People magazine, international and national news, and has even starred in the Wizard of Paws. He's a multi-talented raccoon.

Chatting with Mary Key, Founder of Nolin River Wildlife

I got the chance to chat with Mary Key, the founder of Nolin River Wildlife, where Boone the Raccoon now lives. Back in 2015, Mary and her family returned home from vacation and discovered a mother possum had died on their family farm, leaving behind her babies. The family stepped in to raise them.

Mary has always loved animals and even used her farm animals in her work as a speech therapist. It didn’t take long after caring for those possum babies for her to realize she wanted to do this full-time. That’s when she founded Nolin River Wildlife, right from her home in Glendale, Kentucky.

How Did Boone Come to Live at Nolin River Wildlife?

Mary told me that Boone was picked up by a dog when he was just a baby. He was brought to the sanctuary where the family raised him. She told me that the goal of all her rehab cases is to eventually release them back into the wild. But when Boone was about five weeks old, they noticed something wasn't right. By that age, raccoons should be able to start walking. He could move his legs, but couldn't stand up. Boone was diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia. The part of his brain that controls motor functions for walking didn't develop.

How Does Boone Get Around?

Boone hit the special needs raccoon lottery because he ended up in the best place possible. The family babied him and toted him around in a baby carrier, but noticed that he was starting to get stronger and wanted more freedom. In 2021, a group of engineering students designed a wheelchair for Boone to get around. The story drew attention worldwide, and the sanctuary was featured on countless news outlets, including People Magazine.

Boone kept growing, though, and needed an upgrade. The TV show Wizard of Paws heard about his unique case and decided to build him not one but two wheelchairs. Lucky lucky raccoon.

The family has also fashioned him a zipline so he can bound around the yard with ease. I won't lie, it looks like fun to be Boone.

What's Day to Day Like with Boone?

I asked Mary what life was like with a "pet" raccoon. Did I make the right choice to put the cabash on my husband's dream? Mary assured me that I did make the right call. Raccoons are feisty and can turn aggressive. Boone is just an attention hog, though.

"He takes up most of our time because he is smart and needs so much attention." I could hear him munching on a snack in the background as she spoke. "You can't go anywhere or do much because it's hard to get people to watch a pet raccoon. And you can't just take them to the vet when they get sick." Where we live in Indiana, it is legal with a permit to own a pet raccoon, but in Kentucky, it's not. In fact, she told me that they were given a blonde raccoon with altered teeth for domestication, but it still ended up at their sanctuary.

Can People Come Out and Meet Boone?

Mary told me that Kentucky's Fish & Wildlife Dept is very strict about their ambassadors. Though Boone is considered an ambassador, he's no longer allowed to meet and greet the public. They do have a squirrel, an opossum, and a groundhog that can visit places like schools and nursing homes, and also attend events, which you can book through their website. And unfortunately, because they have animals like coyotes and raccoons on site, the public can't come hang out at the farm.

What Other Animals are at Nolin River Wildlife

Boone has LOTs of company. The farm is home to lots of Kentucky wildlife, including:

• Squirrels
• Skunks
• Foxes
• Coyotes
• Opposums
• Raccoons
• Groundhogs
• Deer
• Groundhogs
• Goats
• Dogs
• Horses
• Sheep
• and more!

How Can You Help Nolin River Wildlife and Boone the Raccoon?

Nonprofits take time and money, so every little bit helps. If you'd like to donate to this rootin' tootin' raccoon and his wildlife brothers and sisters, consider donating monetarily or through their Amazon wishlist. They also occasionally need volunteers, so if you have some extra time and would like to get down and dirty with some cool animals, contact them via their website or look for volunteer opportunities on their Facebook page.