May 2, 2019 Reche Canyon, CA (USA): Roger Eldridge was on his way home when he came upon a donkey in the middle of the road. Concerned, he got out of the car to check the animal when he realized it was a baby. Eldridge took the donkey home and contacted animal services.
“That little donkey was by itself,” said Judy Barker, Eldridge’s wife. “There was no mother. It was all by itself. She is very, very young – and very friendly.”
Officer Christopher Peck, Riverside County Department of Animal Services transported the young donkey to the Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley. Veterinarians successfully treated a large gash on the donkey’s hindquarters. One of the vet techs owns several donkeys and volunteered to care for the days-old newborn at her home. Eventually the donkey, a female, will be placed with a local rescue or made available for adoption.
Wild burros reside throughout Reche Canyon. Speculation suggests the foal was left behind by its mother then wandered into the residential area for refuge. Of course there is no way to know how it was injured, veterinarians speculate barbed wire.
Photography Courtesy: Riverside County Animal Services
