‘Lockie’ the lockdown foal arrives at sanctuary
A HANDSOME foal born at The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland during the COVID-19 lockdown has been appropriately named Lockie.
Lockie was born on Easter Monday (Monday 13 April) at The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland’s Hannigans Farm in Liscarroll. His mum, Honeybee, was part of a rescue and came into the charity’s care already in foal, so they were unable to tell exactly when she was due.
On Easter Monday The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland’s Head of Farms, Declan Sexton, kept a close eye on the expectant mother, ensuring she was comfortable. That evening, when he went to put Honeybee into her barn for the night, he noticed a dark shape standing behind her. It was a foal. The foal was still wet - he had been born within the last hour or two. He was bright and alert and even though he shyly stayed behind Honeybee, he moved about easily.
Vet Nurse Therese Riordan arrived to check the mare and foal to ensure they were both in good health. Happily, all was fine as Honeybee’s foal suckled enthusiastically from her.
After the foal’s birth, talk quickly turned to name suggestions. With the current movement restrictions around COVID-19, it was decided the handsome colt foal would be called Lockie.
Since Easter Monday, Lockie has increased in confidence. He is full of energy and although he never strays far from Honeybee’s side, he skips and runs around their barn and yard. Declan Sexton, The
Donkey Sanctuary Ireland’s Head of Farms said: “Lockie is thriving, he is full of beans and loves to bound around. He is still a little shy, but that is to be expected at this stage as he gets used to us being around. Honeybee is a great mother.”