A DONKEY that was born last week at a farm near Basingstoke was rushed to hospital, but has since made a full recovery and has been reunited with its mother.
At Miller's Ark Animals, in Hook, a new addition joined the farm on January 20 when a baby donkey, called Falafel, was born by mother Felicia.
Everything was going smoothly until the Mediterranean miniature donkey had difficulties accessing its mother's milk so she was rushed to an equine hospital in Newbury where she was given IV fluids.
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After a few worrying days for farm owner Elizabeth Miller, Falafel has made a full recovery and will soon be meeting guests at the farm as well as taking part in therapy work with both elderly people and school children.
Elizabeth, who has run Miller's Ark for almost 32 years, said: "It was a big relief to know Falafel was okay. Every time a foal is born I am just mesmerised by how beautiful they are.
"We have faced a lot of challenges recently with both wheat and feed bag prices going up, but we are extremely grateful for the public coming in and taking part in open days, they're what keep the animals fed and going.
"Plus the animals absolutely love it, they missed all of the human interaction during the Covid lockdowns!"
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Miller's Ark has been based at Manner Farm in Hook for the last 12 years and other than donkeys it is also the home of rare breed cattle, sheep, goats, Kunekune miniature pigs, a shire horse, a Shetland pony, geese, turkeys, chickens, three dogs and three cats.
Elizabeth decided to name her farm Miller's Ark because her animals are also on the move with them going into hospitals, respite centres and educational work with children.
Due to all of the animals being bred through the same lines, Elizabeth explained that they are very relaxed and love meeting new people.
The farm also holds both adults-only open days, all-age open days and lambing open days that start on February 4.
For more information go to millersark.co.uk
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