Carrots and ginger nut biscuits were the order of the day yesterday as the Donegal Donkey Sanctuary celebrated the first birthday of their star resident, baby Rose!
The feisty foal’s incredible journey has captured hearts around the globe and the sanctuary team were so happy to see her reach one year that it was a cause for cake!
Born at the Raphoe sanctuary last year, Rose faced an uphill battle from day one. Her mother, Daisy, a rescue donkey who had endured severe neglect, sadly rejected her newborn foal. This left Rose’s care entirely in the dedicated hands of the Donegal Donkey Sanctuary team.
For the first few months of her life, Rose required round-the-clock attention, including three overnight feeds that kept everyone on their toes.
Thanks to the care of the sanctuary staff and Rose’s own fighting spirit, she not only defied the odds to reach her first birthday but is now also fighting fit and fully integrated with the group of donkeys on site.
Baby Rose’s Birthday Party. Photo: Northwest Newspix
Baby Rose’s Birthday Party. Photo: Northwest Newspix
Sanctuary owners Danny and Sandra Curran are so proud of her “tough, determined little character,” describing her as “a big personality contained in a small body!”
Thankfully, her mum Daisy is doing really well too and has gained weight and strength over the last year. She is not yet entirely comfortable to be in Rose’s company but hopefully that will change over time.
Sunday’s celebrations also included a very special raffle. A gorgeous ‘Rose themed Afternoon Tea’ hamper was won by the lucky Hazel Willoughby.
Baby Rose’s Birthday Party. Photo: Northwest Newspix
Baby Rose’s Birthday Party. Photo: Northwest Newspix
