Donkey Nannies Are The Most Incredible Thing You'll See All Year
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Featured Image Credit: PA Images
If you need an adorable little pick-me-up today, then donkey nannies are bound to do just that.
The existence of donkey nannies is a little known fact, however they are sometimes used by Italian shepherds to move their livestock safely.
Donkeys transport newborn lambs from high pastures to the plains in Italy, when they are too young, small and adorable to make that journey on their own.
Today I learnt about donkey nannies, which are donkeys that are used to transport newborn lambs from high pastures to the plains when the lambs can't make that trip themselves.
- New James+ (@iyagovos) November 5, 2018
They're taken out after the day's journey for food and nuzzling with their mothers. pic.twitter.com/GwIWxiaQOW
Farmers put specially-adapted rugs onto the donkeys, which feature pockets roomy enough for a lamb to fit into and peep out of so they can see where they are going.
There are enough pockets so they can transport multiple lambs at a time, and images suggest it is around eight in total.
At rest stops, the lambs are taken out of the pockets and are returned to their mums to feed and nuzzle.
In more cute news there's such a thing as a donkey nanny - a donkey carrying baby lambs uphill pic.twitter.com/du4dWdMRc6
- Euphrosene Labon aka Wise El (@euphrosene) November 5, 2018
These methods are used by shepherds driving huge flocks livestock in the early spring from the pre-alpine hills to the plains of Lombardy, northern Italy for grazing.
Lambs are often born in the springtime, meaning they are really young when this move happens.
It is unclear whether other farmers and shepherds around the world use the same methods of transportation.
Some have suggested that mules and hinnies (half horse, half donkey) may be used in this way too.
Donkeys can be very territorial in their behaviour, meaning farmers and shepherds often use them to keep predators such as wolves, foxes and coyotes away from their sheep and goats.
As long as donkeys are handled well, they can be very placid in their nature.
The don't need to be led along by the shepherds as they will stay close to the herd.
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They are also hardworking and can be very patient, making them perfect for a career in nannying.