Babies and Donkeys

We are often asked how the donkeys are around children. Of course, we do not suggest that children are allowed around them unattended, but people are often surprised how gentle a miniature donkey really is. Since our grandbabies have been around our animals often, they are comfortable with our donkeys and our donkeys seem to recognize them. There is curiosity from both sides when they visit the pasture. The animals crowd close by, maybe in hopes of a treat or a nice pat or two. The babies are very interested and seem to have no fear, even when they have a donkey's face coming in close for a look.

I tried to imagine during a recent visit from our grandchildren how large the animals must appear to them and how small the little ones must appear to our animals! On one of our stroller walks into the pasture, we stopped to watch as the donkeys came up to see us. One of our mature jennets, Tori, came very close, stopped and studied them. Our granddaughter instinctively knew to be very quiet, raised her arm slowly and waited, as if she was inviting Tori to come a little bit closer. Some form of communication took place because Tori thought about it, then as our granddaughter's small hand waited, she leaned in just close enough to be reached, and stood perfectly still. It was very sweet to see a toddler gently and quietly patting a donkey.

We hope our grandchildren will grow up knowing and respecting animals and that they will make some good and lasting memories along the way.