Rare Poitou donkey born in Massachusetts
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A rare Poitou (PWAH'-too) donkey has been born in Massachusetts.
The male donkey was born Saturday at Davis Farmland, a petting zoo, spray park and animal sanctuary in the central Massachusetts town of Sterling.
Co-owner Larry Davis says there are only about 100 purebred Poitou donkeys in the world. They were once widespread work animals on farms but fell out of favor with the rise of motorized machinery.
The baby donkey's parents are Duke and Duchess, two adults who came to Davis Farmland together from Tennessee just over a year ago.
Taller than conventional donkeys, Poitou donkeys have long shaggy hair.
Davis Farmland is holding a contest to name the new addition.
In this Saturday, June 28, 2014 photo released by Davis Farmland, a newborn baby male Poitou breed donkey stands at the Davis Farmland park in Sterling, Mass. The rare breed of donkey has long shaggy hair and is taller than a conventional donkey. Farm co-owner Larry Davis said there are only about 100 purebred Poitous remaining in the world
In this Saturday, June 28, 2014 photo released by Davis Farmland, Ben Davis nuzzles with a newborn baby male Poitou breed donkey beside its mother Duchess at the Davis Farmland park in Sterling, Mass. The rare breed of donkey has long shaggy hair and is taller than a conventional donkey. Farm co-owner Larry Davis said there are only about 100 purebred Poitous remaining in the world.