Oh boy! Gump clan welcomes third foal at Botanic Gardens Zoo

Head to the Botanic Gardens Zoo this school holidays and you’ll hear the pitter-patter of little hooves.

The beloved Gump family of donkeys has welcomed its latest addition – another bouncing baby boy.

As is now tradition, the community is being called on to send in their name suggestions for the new foal.

“This is Jenny and Forrest’s third foal, with his older brothers called Forrest Jr and Bubba,” Zoo Curator Kira McBeath said.

“Whether you stick with the Forrest Gump theme or want to think outside the box of chocolates, send in your name ideas and help us name the new donkey.

“The zoo is always a great place to visit and the new foal is great timing with school holidays.

“He’s settling in well and is always close by his mum’s side.”

Jenny’s quest for love captured the hearts of the Wagga Wagga community in 2014 and it took nearly a year to find her Mr Right. The community took inspiration from the on-screen couple in the movie Forrest Gump and named Jenny’s beau Forrest when he made the move to the city from Tamworth in 2015.

The Gumps recently had their home renovated, with the new donkey enclosure featuring more space to run around, new grass, shelters and more.

If you’ve got a great idea for the new foal’s name, let us know via email at councilnews@wagga.nsw.gov.au or submit your suggestion on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages.

The Botanic Gardens Zoo is home to a diverse mix of native and other animals, many of which are free to roam. The zoo and aviary are currently open from 9am to 4pm each day. The zoo is closed on Good Friday.