When a donkey got trapped in rising floodwaters in Ireland, Suzanne Gibbons knew there was no time to waste. As the founder of the Animal Haven sanctuary, Gibbons had faced her fair share of emergencies, but this one was a race against time.
The poor donkey’s enclosure had been damaged by a fierce storm, leaving the animal stranded in dangerously deep water. His worried owner reached out to Gibbons, pleading for help. Without hesitation, she jumped into action, turning to Facebook for reinforcements. Her urgent post called for a boat, strong hands, and a sturdy rope to pull off the rescue.
The response was immediate. Locals rallied, offering supplies and support. Still, the task was daunting. Gibbons struggled to find someone willing to brave the fast-moving waters. “The river was flooding really badly,” she told BuzzFeed News. “At first, nobody would help.”
That’s when Mike Fleming, a Killorglin Rowing Club member, stepped up. He not only volunteered to help but also brought along a crucial piece of equipment: a boat. Together with another helper named Declan, the rescue mission was officially underway.
With life preservers strapped on and ropes in hand, the team carefully navigated the turbulent waters. The donkey, visibly scared but remarkably cooperative, waited as they secured him with a life preserver and rope. Slowly but surely, they guided him to safety.
The heart-pounding operation was caught on video, showcasing not just the bravery of the rescuers but also the sheer determination to save a life.
Once on dry land, the sense of relief was overwhelming. But the real star of the moment was the donkey himself. As if to say “thank you,” he broke into a wide, cheeky grin. The sight of his joyful expression was enough to send everyone into fits of laughter—and it didn’t stop there.
That grin quickly went viral, warming hearts across the globe.
The donkey, now named Mike after his heroic rescuer, was whisked back to the sanctuary. There, he received top-notch care: a warm bath, a hearty meal, and antibiotics to ward off any infections. A vet checked him for signs of pneumonia, and he spent the night under a cozy heat lamp. Thankfully, Mike made a full recovery, his ordeal now a distant memory.
But it’s his famous smile that people can’t stop talking about. More than just a grin, it became a symbol of gratitude and resilience. It’s not every day that a donkey thanks his rescuers with a smile that goes viral!
If you need a feel-good moment, check out the rescue video and let Mike’s grin brighten your day. Don’t forget to share his incredible story—it’s bound to make someone else smile too!
