Drum roll please… Donkey foal name announced

24 April 2018

There were no donkey votes among the many entries submitted in response to Council’s call to name the new donkey foal born at the Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens Zoo last month.

The community was invited to contribute to the very important decision of naming the donkey foal, the second born to mother Jenny.

“More than 150 suggestions for names were posted to Council’s Facebook page,” Council’s Supervisor, Horticulture, Henry Pavitt said.

“Many of the suggested names focussed on the Forrest Gump naming tradition of previous years. Dad is named Forrest, Mum is Jenny and older brother is Forrest Junior.

“Popular entries receiving numerous votes included Lieutenant Dan, Cadbury, Bubba, Duffy, and Shrimp.

“Another popular name, which ties in nicely with Anzac Day just around the corner, was Duffy. This was the name of a donkey used by stretcher bearer John Simpson to ferry the wounded at Gallipoli in 1915.”

The 150 entries were collated and then shortlisted down to three by the Council staff who care for the animals housed at the Botanic Gardens Zoo.

The winning name was then selected by Council’s Director of Commercial Operations, Caroline Angel.

Wagga Wagga, your new baby has been named ….. Bubba.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

What: Photos with Bubba and interview with Council’s Supervisor, Horticulture, Henry Pavitt.

Where: Botanic Gardens Zoo, donkey enclosure

When: Tuesday, 24 April at 10.30am

Contact Kate Roberts 6926 9133 / 0409 079 663 or media@wagga.nsw.gov.au