September 2014 - Thomas with Patsy, Merry & Harriet

Congratulations to our September 2014 Pet of the Month Thomas Withers (4) with Patsy (25), Merry (10) and Harriet (9).

Patsy is Merry and Harriet's Mum and they are Jerusalem Donkeys. This means they all have dark hair in the shape of a cross over their shoulders. The donkeys belong to the Dekker Family at Peebles near Oamaru, but Thomas lives nearby and insists on stopping every morning on his way to kindy to pat the 'wonky donkeys'.

The girls are friendly and very mischevious. They will eat anything but should really stick to hay and grass. They have apples, carrots and bread for treats. If you see them and stop to pat them, remember to never feed animals without speaking to their owners as greedy donkeys can gain excess weight this way.

Interesting Facts:

• Donkeys can live for 40 years.
  
• An average donkey (160kg) can carry 50kg on their back and can pull twice their body weight on level ground.