We took Lulu and the donkeys out to the pasture twice – once at 5 a.m., once around 11. She wouldn’t cross the water either time, although she got closer the second time. It was fascinating the see the way the donkeys behave and communicate with one another. They are always together, always aware of one another, a constant stream of brays, nudges and movements that bind them together. It was Simon’s fierce protective instinct for the herd that caused him to attack Rocky, an animal he instinctively saw as a threat. He was constantly calling out to Lulu, this morning and answering her. Fanny came out to nudge Lulu and try and get her across. We stood on the sidelines like soccer moms telling her she could to it.
Fanny and Simon have no fear of the water, Simon just waded into it, Fanny more gingerly. The sheep, who don’t like to get their feet wet, just jumped over it. Someone suggested that Lulu is anxious about the reflections in the water, and that is possible, but I think it’s more a question of her gauging the depth and the footing. Donkeys learn from each other, they evolve, and as she watches Fanny and Simon negotiate the passage, she will try it. The water also will go down as the rains ease up, and that will make it easier. I will keep writing about it and videotaping the process. We were amazed once again at Zelda’s leadership and strength, she didn’t blink, she just led the sheep right through it. Quite an animal.
It is also clear to me that Simon has been around water, he just waded right into it. I love watching this and am happy to share it.
It is really quite amazing to see the instincts animals arouse in us. I love observing these animals, listening to them, watching them. We are not concerned about Lulu crossing, she will get there when she is ready. No donkey in the world would pass up the brush and grass in the new pasture for too long. We are leaving the gate open and my guess is that it will take her a few days. I loved shooting the video, I felt it offered a true window into the real life of some real animals and the very remarkable way they care for and communicate with each other. Once it became clear Lulu wasn’t coming, Fanny and Simon came right back out to her. Very few animals are as loyal and attentive to one another as donkeys. I am lucky to be able to share this with you, come inside the world of these remarkable and unappreciated animals.