Cork Donkey Sanctuary celebrates 'oldest and most popular' adoption donkey's birthday

Lorcan, who has been in the care of the Donkey Sanctuary since 1995, is a big hit at the Sanctuary, with admirers from across the globe.

"This gentle guy is our oldest and most popular adoption donkey and has friends all over the world," the Sanctuary wrote on social media. 

Lorcan was found outside Galway city in very poor condition before he was rescued by the Donkey Sanctuary. 

He was just a year old and severely underweight, with ears that were flopped over the front of his head.

Upon investigation, it was discovered that Lorcan had been chased by youths into a barbed wire fence and the wire had nearly ripped both his ears off.

"When Lorcan arrived he became the 1,167th donkey to be taken into care. 

"Because of his history, he was very wary of people and only our Senior Veterinary Nurse could get near him. 

"Now he loves the attention he receives from visitors and staff alike," the Sanctuary said. 

Due to Covid-19, the Donkey Sanctuary's Open Farm remains temporarily closed to the public.

The Sanctuary says it is prioritising the care of its donkeys whilst working with a limited workforce due to child care commitments and rotas. 

"By allowing visitors into the Open Farm, we would put our staff at risk, therefore the donkeys would be at risk too as if staff become sick, our ability to care for our donkeys is reduced.

"Thank you for your kind support at this time and we look forward to seeing you later in the year," the charity wrote.