Baby Rose, a foal born last June at a sanctuary near Raphoe, has overcome a tough start to life. Her mother, a rescue mare named Daisy, rejected her, forcing Baby Rose to be bottle-fed every four hours for the first five months.
The sanctuary team documented her struggle in videos, which have touched animal lovers worldwide. One video alone has attracted more than 600,000 views. Over 15 years, the sanctuary has rescued and rehomed more than 800 donkeys.
Sandra Curran, who runs the sanctuary with her husband Danny, shared that for Baby Rose’s first week, she posted daily updates online. “It was more or less for our own sake,” she said. “But honestly, it grew legs. This donkey is a worldwide phenomenon. Her struggle to survive is the biggest thing we have ever had.”
To celebrate Baby Rose’s first birthday, the Donegal Donkey Sanctuary will host a party on Sunday, June 8. Guests include a German couple who witnessed Baby Rose’s birth and stayed three hours to see her early moments. Fans in South Australia are also holding a donkey-themed party in her honor.
Baby Rose has received over 100 birthday cards and gifts from around the globe, including Australia, the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, and Europe. Presents include a toy koala, balloons, and packets of biscuits. Sandra joked, “The postman is highly amused. One card was just addressed to Baby Rose, Castledowey — it didn’t even say Donegal Donkey Sanctuary.”
The birthday party is open to the public, with cake and candles served at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. at the sanctuary.
