Pine Grove Zoo Mourns Loss Of Beloved Donkeys Rosie And Xote

Just as the Pine Grove Zoo is getting ready to open its doors for the 2026 season, it shared sad news with us on March 27th, 2026, about the great loss of two of its precious zoo members.

Donkeys Rosie, 28, and her sweet baby Xote, who was 26, both passed away recently.

These two Donkeys were loved by many, and the staff and visitors who met them have a spot in their hearts with this heavy loss.

"Our 2 beautiful donkeys, Rosie and Xote passed this last winter. Rosie was 28 years old and Xote, her son, was 26 years old. They were inseparable. The average life span for a Sicilian donkey is typically 20-25 years but can on rare occasions live to be 35-40. These two special donkeys loved to be with our goats and alpacas in a heated barn, in the winter. So when Rosie passed, Xote, still had friends to be with. Both donkeys reached the end of their life journey from natural causes and will be missed terribly! They helped create such incredible memories for our visitors for 25 years! We have had a huge outpouring of love for these two gentle, kind souls!" said Marnita Van Hoecke of the Pine Grove Zoo.

WELCOME NEW ARRIVALS

The great joy that Rose and Xote brought to guests at the zoo will continue as we have two new residents to carry on their legacy. Marnita said, "On a happy note, this week we will be announcing two new Zoo family members…..2 new young donkeys, Landon and Danny. They are brothers and absolutely adorable! They are 6 months old and we are very excited for them to join our Zoo family! I met these cute-as-a-bug donkeys last week and they won my heart! And just like that, we start a new chapter!"

THE UNTOLD STORY ABOUT DONKEYS

Contrary to popular belief, Donkeys are incredibly intelligent, protective, and loving animals. They often protect other animals and have so many qualities that you may have never known.

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DONKEYS ARE INTELLIGENT ANIMALS THAT DESERVE RESPECT

Scientific studies have shown that donkeys can solve major problems and can make decisions based on their perceived risks. Unlike horses that can get startled and just run away, donkeys can pause and evaluate their situation before deciding to flee or stay. Sometimes this intelligence is taken for stubbornness, but it's actually because they are identifying what's happening all around them.

They also have impressive memories. Donkeys can remember other animals, places they've been, and people they've met for years after they have experienced knowing them.

Donkeys also express their emotions through facial expressions. The way they move their eyes, their ears, and the tension in their muscles can actually tell us how they are feeling.

DONKEYS ARE GREAT COMMUNICATORS

Donkeys are also great communicators. I'm sure you've heard a donkey bray. They can make sounds while inhaling and exhaling, and have different sounds that mean different things, so they are able to communicate danger, happiness, sadness, and fear.

DO YOU SMELL THAT?

Donkeys also have a great sense of smell! They can smell things that are over 6 miles away! For Donkeys living in the wild, it can help them search for food and water in the very dry conditions that many of them live in.

LEAVE THEM ALONE

Donkeys are also very protective of other animals. Many rural farmers use donkeys to protect their livestock, as they are strong, smart, and can defend sheep, goats and cattle when necessary.

WORLD DONKEY DAY IS COMING UP MAY 8TH

With World Donkey Day coming up on May 8th, it's also a great time to remind people that they are also in need of protection from exploitation and abuse, and are victims of some traditional Chinese medicine practices.

Thousands of Donkeys are slaughtered each year because of a gelatin that is made from donkey skin, that plant based sources could easily replace.

Sentient animals are those that have been proven to have thoughts, feelings, and individual personalities, and Donkeys definitely fall into this category.

HELP DONKEY RESCUES IN OUR AREA

There are many ways you can help protect Donkeys in our area. One such place is in Milaca called 'Save The Brays Donkey Rescue.' They rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home donkeys, and also educate the public on the endless possibilities of these loving sweethearts.

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