RARE indeed is the sight of twin donkey foals but that is what is happening on a west Sligo farm.
Dromard farmer Brian Finneran was surprised and delighted with the arrival of twin foals to his miniature donkey mare Monty (17) three weeks ago.
Their arrival prompted great excitement and it’s been all go since with Brian interviewed several times for local radio and newspapers about the rare birth. Sired by a jack called Major, the twins are called Marley and Magic and are doing very well, thankfully.
Twins in equines are rare and when they occur, sadly often don’t have a good outcome.
There’s only about a 2% chance of donkey twins being born and mortality rates are very high, so these two are really quite the miracle, according to their proud owner.
However, since being born last month, these twins have thrived under the watchful eye of their dam combined with Brian’s care and attention.
They are all healthy and the twin colts are gaining weight steadily.
The little family has attracted a lot of attention locally and also at the North West Agricultural Show and Bonniconlon.