The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is mourning the loss of its much-loved brown donkey, Hazel.
The animal charity said Hazel had been suffering from a short, two-day illness.
Posting on Facebook, the Donkey Sanctuary wrote:
"Hazel showed signs of distress on Saturday morning (16) and our vet, Kate, from Vectis Equine, was immediately called. Kate felt there was a serious situation developing and that Hazel should be transferred immediately to Liphook.
"Arrangements were made, but Hazel’s best friend Hannah hates horseboxes and wouldn’t go. Pinto O ‘Sullivan stepped forward, who was happy to travel on the horsebox for the price of a carrot.
"On arrival at Liphook, Hazel undertook a series of tests and scans, and it emerged that she was suffering from acute organ failure, specifically her liver and kidneys. We agreed to throw everything we could at the problem, even though we had been warned that there was only a remote chance that we could help the problem. Unfortunately, Hazel’s condition worsened overnight and on Sunday morning the Liphook vets advised us that there was no chance that Hazel could be cured. We made the decision that we never want to make, that the only thing we could do was to put Hazel to sleep. Dramatic things like this can occur with donkeys; Hazel had shown no sign of illness, no irregularities in condition and was happily eating and enjoying being with her friends, only a week ago.
"Hazel was an island donkey, just 18 years old, who only joined us 3 months ago from Whitwell. Both of her owners had been taken ill and couldn’t look after Hazel and her best friend Hannah. Both donkeys had settled in well with the Weight and See Herd and news of Hazel’s sudden death has shocked and upset all our staff and volunteers.
"We will be taking special care of Hannah, to make sure she is coping with the loss of her best friend, and Pinto arrived back last night, in the cool of the evening, so that he can be with his friends as quickly as possible."
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