Stranded donkey rescued from floods by rower

A donkey which became stranded in flood waters is recovering after a rowing club member came to his rescue.
The animal escaped from its stable in Killorglin, Co Kerry, Ireland, on Saturday night after stormy weather damaged the gate.
The male donkey was discovered stranded in a field the next morning, surrounded by deep flood water – the results of a burst riverbank nearby.

After receiving a call from his concerned owner, Animal Heaven Animal Rescue (AHAR) issued an appeal for help in retrieving the donkey – which was answered by Mike Fleming, a member of Killorglin Rowing Club.
A team of rescuers from the animal shelter, assisted by Mr Fleming and his boat, managed to get a rope and buoyancy aid around the terrified donkey before towing him to land.
A spokeswoman for AHAR said the donkey, which has been named Mike after his rescuer, is recovering at the animal shelter while his stable is repaired.
Suzanne Gibbons, founder of the shelter, said: “He is now dried with towels, eating a hot mash, all cosy and warm and our vet has seen him and started him on antibiotics to prevent pneumonia.
“He has a small bit of fluid in one lung but our vet said he will recover. All he needs is loads of TLC.”