Donkeys at the Museum: A special event at The Green Howards

The Green Howards Museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire, hosted a special event featuring Marie Bates’ Blackberry Donkeys from Long Ears Donkey Centre near Hartlepool.

The donkeys’ appearance formed part of the museum’s 'popular' Animal Allies Exhibition, which explores the vital roles played by animals during the World Wars and in more recent conflicts.

The event allowed visitors to meet, stroke and learn about the gentle animals and their wartime exploits.

Teddy from the Long Ears Donkey Centre in Hartlepool visited the Animal Allies exhibition at The Green Howards Museum in Richmond today pictured Steve Erskine, Researcher at the museum (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Well known author Gregory Harris, of children’s trilogy Billy Burro, was in the museum’s gift shop signing and selling copies of his books that are all about Billy a young donkey who makes friends and helps those around him.

The Animal Allies Exhibition, which runs until December 20, showcases stories and artefacts highlighting the involvement and contribitions of horses, donkeys, mules, dogs and pigeons in conflicts.

Visitors can view authentic wartime pack saddles, VE War brasses, and displays curated in partnership with the Northern Region of The Donkey Breed Society.

As part of the collaboration, the society is exhibiting its handcrafted Purple Poppies - originally made in Richmond and gifted to the organisation as a tribute to animals who served during times of war and peacekeeping.

Teddy from the Long Ears Donkey Centre in Hartlepool visited the Animal Allies exhibition at The Green Howards Museum in Richmond (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Sarah Booth from The Northern Region of The Donkey Breed Society said: “An estimated 16 million animals took part in the First World War, demonstrating astonishing bravery, adaptability, and versatility.

“Their contributions continued in the Second World War and even in modern conflicts, where explosives detection and search and rescue dogs have been deployed. Donkeys remain essential working animals in places like Afghanistan and beyond.

“We are incredibly grateful to The Green Howards Museum for hosting our collection as part of their Animal Allies Exhibition.”

Teddy from the Long Ears Donkey Centre in Hartlepool visited the Animal Allies exhibition at The Green Howards Museum in Richmond today he is pictured with Maria Bates from the centre (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Furthering the theme of the noble long-ears, well known author Gregory Harris, of children’s trilogy Billy Burro, was in the museum’s gift shop signing and selling copies of his books that are all about Billy a young donkey who makes friends and helps those around him.

For more details on exhibitions, talks, tours, workshops and family events, at the museum visit www.greenhowards.org.

Judith Boal of The Green Howards Museum added: “It’s exciting to have such a special event at the museum.

Teddy from the Long Ears Donkey Centre in Hartlepool visited the Animal Allies exhibition at The Green Howards Museum in Richmond he is pictured with Martha and Eliza McCready (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

“We are pleased to share such incredible stories of bravery and service as part of our 'Animal Allies' exhibition by having some very special donkeys to see and pet.”

The Green Howards Museum, located in Trinity Church Square, Richmond, is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4.30pm, with last entry at 4pm.

Entry to the Animal Allies Exhibition is included with general museum admission.