Jenny the donkey finds love

Jenny the donkey finds love - 13 July 2015

In a fairy-tale more Shrek than Cinderella, one Wagga Wagga bachelorette has met her Prince Charming after a nearly year-long search for love.

Hard work by the matchmakers at the Botanic Gardens zoo has paid off for Jenny the miniature donkey, with a new colt moving in just in time for the July school holidays.

The couple has been getting on well, but there’s just one problem – Jenny’s new hubby doesn’t have a name.

“Council staff have been searching for a male donkey since August last year and the only thing missing now is a name for the zoo’s latest addition,” Director Environmental and Community Services Janice Summerhayes said.

“We’re giving the community the chance to name Jenny’s new beau, so if you’ve got a great idea then please let us know.

“There are plenty of options – perhaps something to do with Wagga, or maybe in honour of a famous donkey.”

Jenny became Wagga’s most eligible bachelorette last August when Wagga Wagga City Council began her search for Mr Right.

The pretty black and white girl was born in 2011 and is the second last foal of the long-standing pair of donkeys who were the zoo’s previous inhabitants.

The yet-to-be-name colt hails from near Tamworth and is grey roan with some chestnut on his ears.

Ms Summerhayes said the couple has been the talk of the zoo during the school holidays, which is always a busy time for the tourist attraction.

“Jenny’s husband has been getting on well with the many visitors to the zoo over the school holidays and she’s had a great time showing off her new husband,” she said.

“Hopefully this will be happily ever after for Jenny and her new husband and all things going well they can start a new family at the zoo.

“The zoo is one of our city’s many family-friendly attractions and it’s always a favourite with visitors and local families alike.”

To help name Jenny’s husband, send your idea and contact details to councilnews@wagga.nsw.gov.au by 7 August.

Donkey data

Breed: Irish miniature donkey

Birth date: 15/10/2014

Size: 34¼ inches at present, will grow to around 37 inches

Colour: grey roan with slight chestnut on the ears

Pedigree name: Omega Storm

From: A hobby farm home to 25 donkeys near Tamworth

Media opportunity

What: Unveiling of new miniature donkey

When: 11.30am, Thursday 16 July

Where: Botanic Gardens zoo

Who: Director Environmental and Community Services Janice Summerhayes, Manager Strategic Parks Operations David Walker, Jenny the donkey and her new husband