Yesterday, at approximately 8:30am, Daisy Donkey gave birth to a beautiful foal. Within minutes of being born, the baby was already standing on their own feet, and before long, was happily exploring the Sanctuary alongside proud mother.

The resident herd of uncle and auntie donkeys gathered around, with Daisy keeping her body between them and her newborn, as a protective mother should. She turned her back on them, shuffled her feet in warning, not to come too close for baby’s first steps. They were all very respectful and, as we know, the herd is incredibly protective of young animals.

Eleven months ago, Daisy and her family were walking on a road and her mate was hit by a truck and killed.  Daisy was found at the roadside with her son. The Virginia SPCA tracked down the owners who agreed to surrender the donkeys to a place of safety – the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary.

ADIWS is a true sanctuary, therefore does not allow breeding. Males are neutered, but donkey pregnancies last around 14 months, so it slowly became clear Daisy had a baby on the way. This is the third occasion a female has arrived pregnant, the earlier babies being Nugget and Eeyore, who have grown up in freedom.

We are keeping our distance and so do not know the sex of the little foal yet, but we welcome any suggestions for a name for our newest resident.

Daisy’s story is one of resilience, hope, and second chances.  She and her family may have decades ahead of them wandering the 455 acres of the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa – our place of hope and loving kindness.  Many donkeys have a very hard life in South Africa, so our providing a place of safety when they are rescued is vital.  We need to provide lifetime care and a donkey can live up to 30 years. 

Would you like to contribute to a special ‘Baby Shower’ for the future of our latest arrival? 

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