Ireland is no stranger to relentless storms, but when heavy rains and fierce winds cause widespread flooding, the consequences can be devastating. This was precisely the situation Suzanne Gibbons, founder of Animal Haven sanctuary, faced when she received an urgent call that would lead to one of her most memorable rescues. A local donkey had become trapped in rapidly rising floodwaters after the storm had damaged his enclosure, and his owner was desperate for help. Without hesitation, Gibbons knew she had to act quickly to save the helpless animal from the dangerous waters.
One stormy day, a local donkey’s enclosure was damaged by the relentless wind and rain. The gate gave way, allowing the unsuspecting donkey to wander out and soon find himself trapped in rapidly rising floodwaters. His owner, panicked and desperate, knew the situation was growing worse by the minute. He needed immediate help. That’s when he reached out to Suzanne Gibbons, hoping she could orchestrate a rescue before it was too late.
Without a second thought, Gibbons sprang into action. Realizing the gravity of the situation, she knew she couldn’t pull this off alone. She needed resources—people, equipment, and, most importantly, a boat. But where would she get such help on such short notice? Turning to social media, she posted a plea for assistance on Facebook, explaining that the donkey was stranded and the only hope of saving him was a coordinated effort.
“I’ll need a boat, strong men, and ropes if we’re going to get him out of there alive,” she wrote, hoping the power of community would work in their favor.
It didn’t take long before the post gained traction. The local community, known for its tight-knit support, began to respond. Offers for equipment and manpower started coming in from all directions. However, despite the many responses, finding someone brave enough to enter the dangerously flooded river proved to be a challenge.
“The river was flooding really badly,” Gibbons later recalled. “At first, nobody was willing to risk it with me.”
But just as Gibbons started to fear time was running out, a breakthrough came. Mike Fleming, a member of the Killorglin Rowing Club, heard about the situation and immediately offered his help. With years of experience on the water, Mike knew he could make a difference. More than that, he had a crucial piece of equipment that the rescue mission hinged on: his boat.
With Mike on board—both literally and figuratively—the operation was set in motion. Gibbons and her team of rescuers gathered their supplies, life preservers, and ropes, preparing for what would be a tense and risky rescue. Despite the excitement and hope, the conditions were far from ideal. The floodwaters were strong and unpredictable, and the frightened donkey, though visible, was far from easy to reach.
Determined not to let fear stop them, Mike, Gibbons, and another brave volunteer, Declan, launched into action. Carefully maneuvering the boat through the churning waters, they inched closer to the stranded animal. The donkey, visibly shaken and unsure of what was happening, stood frozen in place. Though terrified, it was as if he sensed that help had arrived.
The rescue team worked quickly, securing the donkey with a life preserver around his neck and tying ropes to gently lead him through the water. Every movement was calculated and precise, as one wrong step could have spelled disaster for both the rescuers and the animal. Slowly but surely, they guided the donkey through the flood and toward safety.
“It was such a tense moment,” Gibbons shared in an interview. “The water was moving fast, and we were all afraid of making a mistake. But the donkey, despite being scared, trusted us enough to follow our lead.”
The entire rescue was captured on video, showcasing the sheer determination and bravery of the rescuers. Gibbons couldn’t have been more thankful for Mike and Declan’s help. She later reflected on the challenge, telling TheJournal.ie, “So many people told me not to do it. They said it couldn’t be done, that it was too dangerous, and we’d never make it. But these two men just looked at me and said, ‘Alright, let’s give it a go.’”
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the donkey was back on dry land. The relief that washed over the team was overwhelming. For a moment, they stood there, catching their breath and marveling at what they had just accomplished. But the true highlight came when they looked down at the donkey.
The animal, named Mike in honor of his rescuer, stood safely on solid ground, and as if to express his immense gratitude, he flashed a wide, toothy grin. The donkey’s infectious smile was nothing short of remarkable—it was as if he was saying “thank you” in the only way he knew how. His joy was unmistakable, and that simple, heartfelt expression made every challenge worth it.
That moment of pure gratitude didn’t just stop with the rescue team. A photo of Mike the donkey’s beaming face quickly went viral, capturing the hearts of people around the world. The image of the rescued donkey, grinning from ear to ear after his ordeal, became a symbol of hope and happiness in the face of adversity.
Once safely out of the floodwaters, Mike the donkey was taken to Animal Haven sanctuary, where he received the care he so desperately needed. His rescuers, knowing that the cold, wet conditions could lead to illness, were careful to ensure he was comfortable. He was immediately dried off, given a nourishing meal, and administered antibiotics to ward off any potential health issues. With concerns about pneumonia lingering, Gibbons had a vet check on him to make sure he was in the clear. The team even set up a heat lamp for added warmth, ensuring Mike was cozy and recovering in the best possible conditions.
Gibbons shared with BuzzFeed that despite the rough conditions, Mike was a true survivor. His quick recovery was a testament to his resilience and the swift actions of the community that came together to save him. “He’s a little miracle,” Gibbons said, still amazed by the donkey’s spirit and the overwhelming support that made the rescue possible.
Thankfully, Mike recovered well. His viral smile, captured in that unforgettable moment, became a lasting symbol of his gratitude. In his own unique way, Mike showed the world that even animals have their own way of saying “thank you,” and sometimes, a simple smile can speak louder than words.
For Suzanne Gibbons, the rescue of Mike the donkey was a powerful reminder of the strength of community, the importance of compassion, and the joy that comes from helping those in need—whether they walk on two legs or four.
The story of Mike the donkey is one that continues to inspire. It’s not just a tale of a rescue—it’s a testament to the bravery of ordinary people, the resilience of animals, and the heartwarming moments that bring us all closer together. Thanks to the selfless actions of Gibbons, Mike Fleming, and Declan, Mike the donkey was given a second chance, and in return, he gave the world a smile that no one will ever forget.
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