Debbie Jackson reports for BBC Scotland News that a donkey foal at Dalscone Farm in Dumfries has found itself with two mothers following a rare birth event. The farm now boasts a unique family of three after two donkeys, Star and Mary, each believed the foal was their own. The story unfolded a week ago when farm owner Ben Best discovered the foal standing between the two pregnant donkeys, long before their expected delivery date.
Both donkeys had given birth simultaneously, a phenomenon that Mr. Best found almost unbelievable. Unfortunately, one of the foals was stillborn due to a rare deformity, complicating matters further in determining parentage. The vet confirmed the stillborn foal’s condition but could not definitively attribute it to either of the mothers, as both donkeys displayed identical care and affection towards the surviving foal, named Solomon.
Despite the confusion over which mother the foal truly belonged to, both donkeys have accepted the grey foal as their own, taking turns nursing and looking after Solomon. The farm sought advice from equine professionals on how to proceed, including considerations of separating the mothers or introducing an orphan foal. Ultimately, it was decided that the three would remain together as a family unit, with Solomon receiving nourishment and care from both donkeys.
As staff at Dalscone Farm assessed the situation and monitored the trio closely, they pondered the potential outcomes of the unique dynamic. While a DNA test could definitively solve the mystery, the concern is that by the time results are available, the foal may have bonded with the wrong mother. For the time being, the family of three – two mothers and a single foal – will continue to live and thrive together, with Solomon enjoying the benefits of having two doting mothers at his side
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