The Courier has teamed up with Blair Drummond Safari Park to offer readers the chance to win a family pass for two adults and two children each week - and learn a bit more about their residents at the same time.
Last week, the park celebrated the 14th birthday of its donkey Millie.
Park communications and conservation manager Jamie-Leigh Green said: “Millie resides in the Pets Farm area of the park and is definitely one of our sassiest characters.
“If you happen to come across her at one of her feeding times, you will hear that she is not shy when it comes to making her needs known.
“Millie adores the alpacas that she shares space with; to the point that she won’t go anywhere without them.
“However, even they are not permitted to come between this girl and her food.
“Donkeys are some of the oldest known working animals and have helped humans for at least 5000 years. Donkeys have been integral to human society, and many communities are still dependent on them today, using them to transport water, food, and crops.
“Donkeys make good working animals as they are not as skittish as horses and will not flee when startled. They can also cover a wider variety of terrain, albeit at a slower pace.
“In many cultures, to call someone a donkey means that you think they are unintelligent - however, the opposite is actually true. Donkeys are very intelligent and have an incredible memory. A 2013 study by the Donkey Sanctuary found that they can problem-solve and learn at the same pace as dolphins and dogs.
“Donkeys are also often thought of as stubborn animals. This is because they have a highly developed sense of self-preservation and will resist doing things that they deem dangerous to their safety. The reason they plant their feet and refuse to move is that they are taking time to assess the situation and make their own decision about whether it is safe or not.”
Blair Drummond Safari Park is open seven days a week from 10am until 5.30pm Monday to Friday with 7pm closures on selected Saturdays and Sundays throughout July and August. Tickets can be booked online at blairdrummond.com.
For a chance to win a family pass, which can be used any one day during the park’s opening season this year, just answer the following question: How long have donkeys been working animals?
Send the coupon with your answer, name, address and contact number to: Safari Park Competition, West Lothian Courier, One Central Quay, Glasgow, G3 8DA.
The deadline is Wednesday at 4pm. Only original vouchers will be accepted.
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