A herd of donkeys will pay a visit to The Green Howards Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire next month.
The Blackberry Donkeys from Long Ears Donkey Centre near Hartlepool will be at the museum, which pays tribute to over 300 years of Green Howards regimental history, to meet visitors on Friday 30 May.
The team of six standard sized and one miniature Mediterranean donkey, which offer well-being and therapy sessions across the northeast of England and regularly visit schools, care homes and dementia centres, will be available for visitors to stroke or pat.
As well as being able to meet the animals, visitors will also be able to enjoy Animal Allies: Discover the Silent Partners of the Armed Forces, a special exhibition which explores the contributions animals have made in military operations, not just in active duty but by providing companionship, comfort and emotional support.
Handmade poppies on display
The Purple Poppies exhibition, which commemorates the role animals and birds have played in war and completed a tour of museums in northern England earlier this year, is also now housed at The Green Howards Museum and is open to visitors.
The Donkey Breed Society were originally gifted the crocheted poppies by a group of makers from Richmond. The poppies were subsequently combined with some additional artefacts to create an exhibition.
“An estimated 16 million animals took part in World War I, demonstrating astonishing bravery, adaptability, and versatility,” said Sarah Booth, secretary of the northern region of the Donkey Breed Society.
“Their contributions continued in World War II and even in modern conflicts, where explosives detection and search and rescue dogs have been deployed.
“Donkeys remain essential working animals in places like Afghanistan and beyond.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Green Howards Museum for hosting our collection as part of their Animal Allies exhibition.”
The donkeys will be at The Green Howards Museum in Trinity Church Square on Friday 30 May between 10am – 3pm.
Image © Blackberry Donkeys.
