The Arrival Of Harold & Humphrey

It’s never quiet here at Swinton Green!

Donkeys have always been special to me, and I welcomed Harold and Humphrey, two miniature breeds, to the team a couple of weeks ago.

I’ve worked with Brooke Action for Working Horses, Donkeys, and Mules for a number of years as a charity ambassador and even went out to work with the donkeys in East Africa in 2019 to see what they do firsthand.

The breed has always been at the back of my mind. I love the big ears and the noise they make when they shout; it’s very different from a horse’s neigh.

I looked to get two donkeys last year, but it wasn't the right time to put my energy into welcoming them after moving, so this year I heard that Harold and Humphrey were looking for new homes, and after a few conversations, they are now settling in with the gang at Swinton Green.

Miniature donkeys are so smaller than the average size; they will grow to no bigger than 36 inches high and are known to be an incredibly affectionate breed, which I have been experiencing firsthand. The boys are loving lots of cuddles and attention.

Miniature donkeys originally came from the islands of Sicily and Sardinia; they were likely a native species to that area and were used for carrying firewood, delivering parcels, and tending livestock. In the 1920s, miniature donkeys were exported to the US, and then they became incredibly popular and have now been sold all around the world.

Harold is just 6 months old and Humphrey is 1 year old tomorrow, September 24th. They are bonding and so far have been very playful and noisy. They love cuddles but don’t enjoy being left for very long in the field. If they can see me in the field with the other animals, they start shouting very loudly, and on the first night they arrived, I could hear them in the stable.

So they are settling in very well, and I’m sure we are all going to have a lot of adventures ahead.