A pint-sized donkey is making a big impression after being welcomed to the world on the Sunshine Coast.
A particularly small miniature Mediterranean donkey was born to parents Sandy and Comet at Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World last week, joining a large collection of birds and farm animals at the venue.
The venue’s general manager Verena Olesch said staff had been anticipating the birth for a few months and they were relieved to see the female foal arrive in the farm enclosure.
“Sandy and Comet are the gentlest of souls and our loved by visitors, so you can imagine there was intense interest in the birth of their first foal,” she said.
“We don’t think there are any other Mediterranean miniature, let along micro, donkeys on the Sunshine Coast, so this is really special.”
The newcomer is yet to be named. That’s something that’s been left to the people.
“It’s so special that we are inviting the public to enter a competition to name the foal,” Ms Olesch said.
Originally from Africa, miniature Mediterranean donkeys were taken to the Mediterranean Islands of Sardinia and Sicily to work on farms, but specifically – because of their size – to turn grinding stones for grain inside houses. They were also used to carry water from village wells and supplies into the mountains for shepherds.
They are now almost extinct in their native lands but successful breeding programs in Europe, America and now Australia have led them to become popular pets.
When fully grown the miniatures stand between 76cm and 91cm tall, but the micro miniatures are just over 60cm tall (24 inches).
Sandy and Comet came to Maleny Botanic Gardens two years ago when the award-winning attraction established its Farm Friends enclosures to house abandoned farm animals.
This was Sandy’s first foal, and both mother and daughter are in excellent condition after a year-long gestation period.
Visitors have the opportunity to meet farm animals there.
“To be able to get close to baby animals in our Farm Friends enclosure is really beneficial for both children and adults,” Ms Olesch said.
“The animals love the attention and children come away learning so much and gaining a real empathy with animals.”
“We will be keeping a very close eye on our new miniature micro donkey, and can’t wait to add the name.”
