Philadelphia Zoo Welcomes Poitou Donkeys - They Resemble Cute Democrats

By Kirsten Wilf

Philadelphia, PA - The Philadelphia Zoo welcomes a new addition – Poitou donkeys! The two females joining the Zoo’s collection from the Hamilton Rare Breeds Foundation in Vermont are Nike, 6, and Periwinkle, 8. The Poitou donkey is quite unique - at over six feet from hoof to ear, they are among the largest donkeys. Additonally, they are known for their long, dreadlocked coats.

The Poitou breed of donkey originated in France, where they were used primarily for breeding draft mules. When farmers began using motorized tractors, the demand for these mules declined and the Poitou nearly became extinct. With only 400 Poitous left – they, and many other domestic breeds, are in danger of extinction. Loss of these breeds means loss of a valuable source of genetic diversity.

Guests of the Zoo can view Nike and Periwinkle at the Pachyderm House.

About the Philadelphia Zoo:

Philadelphia Zoo, America's first zoo, is celebrating the 150th anniversary of its founding. Chartered by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on March 21, 1859, the Zoo is currently home to over 1,300 animals from around the world, many rare and endangered. Welcoming more than one million visitors each year from throughout the region and beyond, the Zoo serves children and families as a unique and engaging public resource for wildlife conservation and education. The Philadelphia Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information or to purchase and print tickets online, visit www.philadelphiazoo.org.

To view Philadelphia Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-17-Philadelphia_Zoo