Donkey that guards University of Rhode Island goat and sheep herds has surprise birth

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. – The University of Rhode Island may have a new guard for its animal herd after a baby donkey was unexpectedly born.

Jenny, one of the university’s two guard donkeys, gave birth to the foal Sunday at the school’s Peckham Farm.

The university uses the donkeys to protect its goats and sheep from coyotes and feral dogs. The animals are part of the university’s animal science and pre-veterinary classes.

URI senior Kathryn Voelkner says she found the foal while feeding the two donkeys and saw it take its first steps. The birth came as a surprise, since both older donkeys are female.

Jenny came to the farm in May. University officials now believe she was already pregnant when they acquired her, since donkeys can be pregnant for about a year.