Sparks fly between oldies John and Fourmay

John and Fourmay, aged 31 and 22 respectively, were moved into their new group – nicknamed the ‘oldies’ – to help grooms maintain their ongoing health issues.

Almost instantly, the team at Paccombe saw John and Fourmay were drawn to each other. They would be seen standing close together during feeding time, and sharing space in their comfy stable.

It was clear to their carers that the signs that John and Fourmay were displaying were indicative of a pair bond.

Pair bonding is a known phenomenon which describes the strong friendship which develops between two donkeys. When a duo is bonded, both individuals feel a need to remain close to their companion and can become distressed and unwell if they’re separated from them.

Staff at The Donkey Sanctuary are trained to spot this behaviour, and consideration is given so that bonded donkeys like John and Fourmay are able to remain happily in each other’s company.

On the pair’s special friendship, Groom Lisa Coles says: “Fourmay seems to wear the trousers in the relationship and is often seen pulling a face at John.

“He in turn nudges Fourmay if he feels like they need a stroll around, but we never see one without the other.

“Their bickering ways are so endearing because they are the sweetest pair enjoying their latter years together.”

Donkeys in their twenties and above need extra TLC and a slower pace of life as they age. Grouping together older donkeys can help teams to manage common age-related health issues such as arthritis and poor teeth.

These ‘oldies’ groups often have tailored facilities, such as soft wood-chip bedding and easy to chew short-chop food, which helps to keep them happy, healthy and comfortable.

For John and Fourmay, the move to the new group has proven serendipitous, and the bonded pair can look forward to enjoying their golden years together in Devon.