From a heartbreaking rescue on a busy road to a beautiful new beginning at a sanctuary, Daisy the donkey just surprised her rescuers by welcoming a healthy miracle foal 11 months after being saved!
Free State, South Africa (03 July 2026) – Eleven months ago, the Virginia SPCA received an urgent call concerning a donkey family grazing alongside a busy road, in desperate need of help.
Tragically, one of the donkeys was hit and killed by a truck. The loss left the surviving jenny, now named Daisy, and her young foal standing close by, clearly distressed and completely unwilling to leave their family member behind.
The SPCA team responded immediately, tracking down the owner of the donkeys.
“He agreed that it was far too dangerous for them to continue roaming alongside such a busy road and signed Daisy and her foal over to Virginia SPCA,” the organisation shared in a post.
Hoping to give this grieving equine family the safe future they deserved, the Virginia SPCA reached out to the wonderful team at Animal Defenders International (ADI), an accredited sanctuary.
“As always, Karen and her incredible team never hesitated to help, and Daisy and her foal were welcomed into their care.”
At the time, the SPCA was under the impression that they had rescued two donkeys. However, 11 months later, Karen called them to share the most beautiful surprise.
“It turns out we had actually rescued three lives.
“Unknown to all of us, Daisy was already pregnant when she arrived at ADI. With a donkey’s pregnancy lasting around 14 months, there was no way for anyone to have known.”
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“In this case, however, the universe had other plans.”
And so on Thursday morning, at around 08:45, Daisy gave birth to a healthy foal!
The ADI said this was the third occasion a female has arrived pregnant, the earlier babies being Nugget and Eeyore, who have grown up in freedom.
“We are keeping our distance and so do not know the sex of the little foal yet, but we welcome any suggestions for a name for our newest resident,” ADI said.
Many donkeys have a very hard life in South Africa, so this little family’s journey from danger and tragedy to living safely, peacefully, and surrounded by love easily warms the heart.
Daisy and her family may have decades ahead of them wandering the 455 acres of the ADI’s wildlife sanctuary.
The SPCA extended its heartfelt gratitude to Karen and everyone at Animal Defenders International.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such a compassionate organisation in our area and are deeply grateful for everything you do for animals in need.”
Sources: Linked Above
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