NEW: URI's Peckham Farm Welcomes "Surprise" Baby Donkey
GoLocalProv News Team
NEW: URI's Peckham Farm Welcomes "Surprise" Baby Donkey
“When I walked over to Jenny, I noticed that her attention was focused on something behind me. I turned and saw the baby trying to take her first few steps. She was still wet from the birthing process, so she must have been born just minutes before I arrived," said Kathryn Voelkner, an animal science major from Clarks Summit, Pa.
According to farm manager Nick Miniter, no one knew that Jenny was pregnant, since URI's only other donkey, Rosie, is also female.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Over the winter we started to mention that she was getting kind of chunky, but we thought it was just that the extra food they get to keep warm in winter was sticking to her in unflattering ways,” said Sydney Day, a senior animal science major from East Greenwich.
URI acquired Jenny last May and Donkey gestation lasts about one year.
URI uses donkeys as guard animals to protect its sheep and goats from attacks by coyotes or feral dogs.
The first guard donkey at URI, Bonnie, arrived in late 2003.
Peckham Farm is located across Route 138 from the URI athletic facilities and consists of sheep, cows, pigs and goats that are used as part of the University's animal science and pre-veterinary classes.
10 Great Pets in Need of Loving Homes - April 14
Zoe
My name is Zoe and I am a 9 year old male. I am an affectionate guy that loves attention but I can also be a bit independent sometimes. My feline-ality is "Sidekick". Like all sidekicks, I'm just plain good company. I like attention, and I also like my solitude.
Squeak
My name is Squeak and I am a 3 year old male. I'm a sensitive guy who longs for a quiet, predictable home. My feline-ality is "Secret Admirer". When it comes to relationships, I'm very level-headed. I don't leap in paws first, if you know what I mean. But give me a little time, and then I'll shower you with purrs, head-butts, and plenty of lap time. In the meantime, you may not see a lot of me, but I'll be thinking a lot of you!
Molly
My name is Molly and I am a 2 year old female. I am super sweet and oh so playful!!! My feline-ality is "Party Animal". I'm a cat on a mission: PARTY! I love to play and explore and test my limits. I'd love to play with you, but I can make a toy out of anything: pencils, post-it notes, potatoes.
Mr. Potato Head
Mr. Potato Head is ready to be the center of your world! He is demonstrative, playful, fun -- a complete ham! He is not shy about asking for your attention, but he would certainly prefer to not have to beg. Somehow this sweet and confident cat ended up living by himself outside and he was brought to the shelter to give him a chance at finding his own forever home.
Red
My name is Red and I am a 2 year old male. I LOVE attention and can be a bit demanding sometimes. My feline-ality is "Personal Assistant". You're working on the computer? Let me press the keys. Reading the paper? I'll hold the pages down for you. Watching TV? I'll just plop in your lap so you can pet me. I love an orderly household, don't you? I'll help you with all your chores, and I'll help you relax when we're done. You'll wonder how you ever managed without me.
Hazel
Hazel is a sweet girl, who is around 2 years old. We believe Hazel was born deaf, but that only adds to her charm! She is a love bug that enjoys exploring new things and meeting new people. She does well with dogs and we think she would be fine with cats with the right introduction. Hazel also loves kids! We think this girl would make a great addition to your home. Stop by and meet her today!
Tucker
This is Tucker, a young boy that just turned a year old. Tucker is crazy about life, and wants to share his joy with everyone he meets! Tucker loves children, but does play rough so dog savvy kids would be just fine. Tucker has not been around many animals, so he will need lots of socialization to introduce him.
Shirley
Meet Shirley! At 11 months old, this girl is a mix of sugar, spice, and everything nice! Shirley loves life, and would really enjoy an active family to play with. Shirley would do well with older children, since she is still learning manners and how to be a polite lady. She is super smart, and would benefit from some basic training classes.
Stoik
My name is Stoik, and I'm an older boy looking for my perfect home. I'm estimated to be between 7-9 years old, but you would never guess it! I'm full of spunk and energy, and would be a perfect companion for somebody who wants a goofy, active friend. I get along fine with other dogs, but would probably do better by myself since I love my toys too much to share! A home with teenagers or adults only would be just fine by me.
Dumpling
Hey there! My name is Dumpling, and I'm a handsome one year old bunny who's looking for a fun home to hop around in. Playing with my family is the best! If you're looking for an affectionate dude who loves to explore, I'm the bunny for you.
