When Ben the donkey was born, life dealt him a tough hand. His mother, Millie, rejected him shortly after birth. For a tiny, helpless foal, the odds of survival without a mother’s care are slim. But this is not a story of despair—it’s a tale of resilience, love, and second chances.
Ben was born at the Donkey Sanctuary in the UK, a haven for donkeys in need. Millie, his mother, had arrived at the sanctuary pregnant, but her maternal instincts never kicked in. Despite the staff’s tireless efforts to encourage bonding, Millie refused to let her baby near her.
“The mare and her baby were not showing any signs of bonding,” the sanctuary explained. “We carefully tried to encourage her to accept him, but it was clear that she had rejected him.”
For Ben, this rejection could have been a death sentence. Newborn animals rely on their mothers for everything—warmth, protection, and nourishment. But the sanctuary’s dedicated team refused to give up. They stepped in as Ben’s surrogate family, feeding him every 3-4 hours, comforting him, and showering him with affection.
Still, something was missing. Ben needed a constant presence—a mother figure who could keep him safe and warm, 24/7.
That’s when “Auntie” Jingle entered the picture. Another mare at the sanctuary, Jingle, was introduced to Ben. It didn’t take long for the two to form an unbreakable bond. Jingle became the loving and protective mother Ben so desperately needed.
Watching the pair together brought joy to everyone at the sanctuary. After such a rough start in life, Ben had finally found the love he deserved.
Ben’s story is a reminder of the incredible power of compassion and care. Share this heartwarming tale with someone who needs a little inspiration today. Who knows, it might brighten their day just as much as Jingle brightened Ben’s.
