Sunshine Coast Hinterland Times

MAYBE IT WAS Christmas in the air that attracted the Hinterland Times to a group of miniature donkeys in a Maleny paddock.

“They are lovely and sensitive animals”, says Maleny resident, Lovice Lowden who owns four miniature donkeys with three foals on the way. They grow to only 36 inches high, and Lovice has three miniature Irish ‘jennys’ , and one Mediterranean miniature ‘jack’ called Benjamin.

“They’re not show animals”, adds Lovice, “but they are great pets and are only bred for their affectionate temperament. They have a warm loving nature and provide wonderful companionship.”

Lovice’s four year-old grandson Bill clearly agrees. He doesn’t need to be asked to leave his parents central western Queensland property on regular visits to see his grandmother and her donkeys. Miniature donkeys are child-size and standing beside them Bill looks the complete pint-size stockman with his RM Williams boots, jeans and wide Stetson.

Donkeys have a long history going back to Greek mythology where it was a symbol of the Greek god Dionysus. Of course thedonkey also has special status for Christians, both at the birth and death of Christ.

And if you’re looking for a Christmas story Lovice says the lady who sold her the donkeys told her that when Mary got off the donkey at Bethlehem, ready to give birth to Jesus, she kissed both sides of its neck where white markings can be seen on donkeys’ necks to this day .

It is said that the same donkey that had carried Mary at Christmas came to the crucifixion and wanted to carry the cross of Jesus. But Jesus had to carry his own cross, and as he struggled by the onlookers, the shadow of the cross fell upon the back of the donkey and ever since, along every donkey’s back, is the strong outline of a cross.

Unfortunately the donkey is also known as an ass – the male being the jackass. But that’s unfair because they are far from stupid, says Lovice.

“They say a donkey is stubborn because it simply stops and won’t budge”, says Lovice. “But they can’t run like a horse to flee danger. So, the way they preserved themselves in the wild, particularly in rocky country, was to stop quite still and then they are almost camouflaged”.

As far as Bill is concerned, if these donkeys won’t budge, well then, he just gives them a cuddle.