A new-born donkey had its first experience of the outside world at an Angus animal sanctuary this week.
Staff witnessed the birth of a donkey for the first time in Mountains Animal Sanctuary’s 29-year history.
The day-old girl, named Annie, was born to Petra, a rescue donkey from Ireland who arrived at the Glenogil sanctuary in August.
General manager Pam Taylor said: ”We decided to name her Annie as her dad was called Denver you know, after the John Denver song.
”When we rescued five donkeys from Ireland, he was ungelded, and even though he was gelded as soon as possible, Annie has come along.”
Visitors will be able to get a glimpse of Annie for the first time. Pam said the best time for visitors would be the Easter weekend, as an egg hunt has already been arranged for the Sunday and children can see Annie while they are there.
Despite having been born with a slight immune deficiency common in newborn donkeys, Annie is described as well and is enjoying trips around the field.
Pam added: ”We’re over the moon to have our first baby donkey born at Mountains. She was born in the early morning and within 10 minutes she was up on her feet drinking milk from mum. She is absolutely gorgeous and is the spitting image of her dad.
”The glorious weather we’ve been experiencing also helped. Donkeys can be pregnant for 12-14 months but can determine when they will give birth as they wait for the right weather conditions.
”Annie arriving couldn’t have come at a better time. The schools finish up for the Easter holidays and as it’s not often you can get up close to new-born donkeys in Scotland, there’s no better time for children and their parents to come along and meet Annie.”Find out more at www.mountainsanimalsanctuary.org.uk