Fancy a cuppa? Donkeys tuck in to sizzling tea as temperatures drop

Who doesn’t like a pleasant cup – or bucket – of tea, particularly in climate as chilly as this? And donkeys aren’t any completely different, it seems.

The equine residents of The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth have been sharing a day bucket of natural tea this week, as snow lined the Devon panorama.

“Though the positioning has been closed to guests yesterday [21 November] and as we speak due to the heavy snow, devoted workers are there to make sure the donkeys have all they should face up to the chilly climate,” a spokesperson for the charity stated.

“Donkeys are usually not naturally suited to freezing, damp circumstances having developed in elements of the world the place the surroundings is sizzling and arid. Ensuring they’ve sufficient shelter, hardstanding and loads of dry hay, is essential to maintain them wholesome and nicely throughout winter.

“Like many people when the temperature plummets, they take pleasure in a heat brew.”

The sanctuary is frequently arising with enrichment actions for the donkeys similar to this, or ice lollies in summer season.

“Donkeys take pleasure in warming natural teas on chilly winter days, usually lining up eagerly for the primary sip,” the spokesperson advised H&H.

“These drinks not solely heat them up and supply enrichment, but additionally assist preserve them hydrated, particularly when chilly climate might make their common chilly water much less interesting.

“The refreshing drinks are ready with sizzling (not boiling) water, permitting the teabags to steep briefly earlier than being eliminated. Grooms then at all times add chilly water to make sure the drink is at a secure, snug temperature for the donkeys to take pleasure in.”

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Enthusiastic about equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all features of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, during which she competes her personal horses, and he or she additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping exhibits by way of to worldwide championships.