A pregnant donkey which was found abandoned in the Negev desert has safely given birth to a foal at Safe Haven for Donkeys’ sanctuary in Israel.
Deborah, who is believed to be around two years old, was found abandoned in a village in northern Negev in September by a local woman.
The lady contacted Safe Haven for Donkeys who came to her rescue and Deborah spent the rest of her pregnancy in the safety of the sanctuary with a team to watch over her.
Last month, Deborah gave birth to a filly foal who was named Gervais after comedian Ricky Gervais who donated £100,000 to Safe Haven for Donkeys in December to support its work.
‘Incredibly moving’
“When Deborah arrived, she was heavily pregnant and had no one to care for her. To see her now, safe and calm with her foal beside her, is incredibly moving,” said Andy Foxcroft, CEO of Safe Haven for Donkeys.
“Deborah could have given birth alone after being abandoned. Instead, she was safe, watched over and cared for – and Gervais has had the start every foal deserves.
“Gervais is full of life and already showing off her first teeth. She has brought so much joy to the team and is a tiny symbol of hope this World Donkey Day.”
World Donkey Day takes place today, Friday 8 May, and celebrates donkeys around the world. It is a global day that helps to raise awareness, spark action and support sustainable solutions to protect donkeys’ welfare and dignity.
About the charity
Safe Haven for Donkeys is a British charity that cares for working and abandoned donkeys in Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Egypt, and Gaza.
Find out more and donate to Safe Haven for Donkeys here.
Images © Safe Haven for Donkeys.
