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

Who doesn’t like a pleasant cup – or bucket – of tea, particularly in climate as chilly as this? And donkeys are not 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 coated the Devon panorama.

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

“Donkeys aren’t naturally suited to freezing, damp situations having developed in components of the world the place the surroundings is scorching and arid. Ensuring they’ve sufficient shelter, hardstanding and loads of dry hay, is essential to maintain them wholesome and properly throughout winter.

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

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

“Donkeys get pleasure from warming natural teas on chilly winter days, typically 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 maintain them hydrated, particularly when chilly climate might make their common chilly water much less interesting.

“The refreshing drinks are ready with scorching (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 get pleasure from.”

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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 points of the business, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of selection is showjumping, during which she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping exhibits via to worldwide championships.