Sunshine puts a spring in newborn’s first steps
SOAKING up some rays during his first outing in the world, this bonny little foal is a tell-tale sign that spring has offically sprung at The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon.
These pictures show the charming colt exploring his new surroundings under the watchful guidance of his mother, Rachel, at the international animal welfare charity’s Paccombe Farm near Sidmouth, an outlying farm which is not open to the public.
The new arrival, which is yet to be named, is light grey in colour with a hint of brown, and has primitive black stripes on his legs.
His mother, Rachel, was in foal when she came into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary in April, 2020. In a very poor condition, she was relinquished along with five other donkeys after their basic welfare needs were not being met by their owner. Like others in the group, her feet were overgrown and needed urgent farrier attention to alleviate the suffering they were causing.
After arriving at the charity, more veterinary health checks on Rachel revealed she was pregnant.
Neil Coles, farm manager at The Donkey Sanctuary, said: “Rachel delivered her foal quickly, and with no complications. Our vet has checked over the mare and foal and is very happy with how they are both doing. Rachel has been a brilliant mum so far. It’s really lovely to watch them enjoy the spring sunshine together, knowing that they will both have a safe and happy future with The Donkey Sanctuary.”
The charity, which is currently closed to the public due to Covid-19, has a no breeding policy. Foals born at the sanctuary are born to mares that have arrived already in foal. All are guaranteed a home for life.