Dwarf donkey cinnamon, sugar, spelt, oats
Mini donkeys are as cute as can be
These small donkeys originally come from the picturesque hills of Sardinia and Sicily. Due to their origin, they are often referred to as Sardinian or Sicilian donkeys. In the past, they were mainly used as workhorses in hilly regions to transport small loads. Thanks to their small hooves, they are particularly sure-footed – an advantage that made them so valuable and helpful in steep mountainous areas. However, since industrialisation, there was no longer any need for these small workhorses.
However, instead of falling into oblivion, their breed found increasing favour in the “New World” at the beginning of the 20th century. In the USA, miniature donkeys began to be valued as exotic and useful animals. American farmers and animal lovers, who were taken with the animals’ small stature and gentle nature, began to import mini donkeys from Italy.
Welcome, cinnamon, sugar, spelt and oats
Mix spelt and oats with sugar and garnish with a little cinnamon. What sounds like a sweet muesli mix at first glance turns out to be a very special encounter: the four mini donkeys are the new additions to Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf. And no, these mini donkeys are no longer babies – they will remain a “running metre” for the rest of their lives.
Mini donkey: small but mighty!
These small donkeys originally come from the picturesque hills of Sardinia and Sicily. Due to their origin, they are often referred to as Sardinian or Sicilian donkeys. In the past, they were mainly used as workhorses in hilly regions to transport small loads. Thanks to their small hooves, they are particularly sure-footed – an advantage that made them so valuable and helpful in steep mountainous areas. However, since industrialisation, there was no longer any need for these small workhorses.
However, instead of falling into oblivion, their breed found increasing favour in the “New World” at the beginning of the 20th century. In the USA, miniature donkeys began to be valued as exotic and useful animals. American farmers and animal lovers, who were taken with the animals’ small stature and gentle nature, began to import mini donkeys from Italy.
Mini donkeys today: more than just a pet
Nowadays, mini donkeys are particularly popular as leisure and companion animals and are also often used in animal-assisted therapy. They are not only loyal companions on farms or small pastures, but also enrich our lives with their social and friendly nature.
Maximally cute
Our four mini donkeys, which are now joining the donkey family at Gut Aiderbichl in Henndorf, originally come from a mini donkey farm. In economically difficult times, it is not always easy to keep and care for animals in a species-appropriate way. As is so often the case, the animal population then has to be reduced – and so the four little protégés were allowed to come to us.
With their soft fur, long ears and gentle nature, our mini donkeys are just as cute as can be!
P.S. We are currently in hibernation at our animal visitor centres. Our mini donkeys can be visited, cuddled and stroked again at Gut Aiderbichl Henndorf from 8 February!
