Molly, 13 years old and her daughter Emmy, 2.5 years old are miniature Sicilian donkeys who were bought from a petting zoo at the Caledonia County Fair in Vermont in August 2002. At only two months of age, Emmy was deathly ill and on the verge of death.  Dr. Pastore brought her immediately to the Rochester Equine Clinic in New Hampshire where she stayed for 15 days in the newborn intensive care unit.  After returning from New Hampshire, Emmy was reunited with her mother at MVFAS where she is now healthy and thriving.

• The Miniature Sicilian Donkey is native to the Mediterranean Islands of Sicily and Sardinia and are known for their great affection.
• At maturity, they stand less than three feet tall at the shoulder.
• Their gray coat is characterized by a characteristic "cross", a dark stripe that runs across their shoulders.
• Male donkeys are referred to as "jacks", female donkeys are "jennies", and baby donkeys are called "foals".
• Like horses, their diet consist of grain and hay.
• This rare breed can no longer be imported to the United States.
• Miniature Sicilian Donkeys can live from 30 to 40 years of age. 

about | mission | animals | join | visit | the inn | the area | contact us