A tiny baby donkey that was heartlessly stolen from its mother more than two weeks ago has finally been found and is safe and sound, its overjoyed owners announced today.
Little Moon’s owners said they are “extremely happy” to have found the female foal in good health and reunited her with her mother after her plight captured the hearts of thousands.
Hopes for two-month-old Moon, who stands just 1 foot 6 inches tall, faded after she was snatched from a farm on May 15 after she hadn’t weaned off breast milk.
Moon’s disappearance sparked a massive search and went viral online, with thousands of social media users following the case.
Today the owners of Moon of Miller’s Ark – a farm in Hook, Hampshire – revealed they traveled more than 60 miles to Buckinghamshire last night to collect the miniature donkey with help from Thames Valley Police.
Miller’s Ark owner Elizabeth Miller was reunited with Moon, hugging the donkey saying “look who’s back” and “my baby.”
Miller’s Ark – a farm in Hook, Hampshire – has been reunited with baby donkey Moon who was stolen from his mother more than two weeks ago
A touching video shows the moment when Elizabeth Miller, owner of Miller’s Ark, was reunited with Moon, hugging the donkey while saying “look who’s back” and “my baby.”
Relieved volunteer Pamela Jessopp said they had stormed to Buckinghamshire after reports that a member of the public had seen Moon and found her in a stable on the land.
Ms Jessopp said: ‘We are beyond ecstatic, trying to find the words but very emotional. We are very happy that Moon and Mom are back together.
“It was over two weeks ago, you’re not giving up hope, but you’re thinking as the time frame gets bigger, ‘are we losing our window? Is she okay?’
“But she was taken care of and she appears to be in good health.
Elizabeth was delighted to be reunited with Moon, who seems to have been well looked after during her time away from the farm
Elizabeth was overcome with emotion at Moon’s return, saying the little foal was wagging her tail and seemed happy to be home
“She was so happy to see us her tail was wagging.
“Now the task is to bind her to her mother Astra while her milk has dried. But we have a solution for that and her mother was very happy to see her.’
She added, “We’ve had countless people come in contact with reports. Someone knew who Moon was, so we tracked it down and traveled to Buckinghamshire and found her.’
Miller’s Ark also stated online, “It’s thanks to all of you, wonderful people, who have supported Moon, Astra and the team at Miller’s Ark, shared this story far and wide — and now you’ve brought her home.”
Moon and her dam were inseparable – and now a £10,000 reward has been offered for the colt’s safe return
The ailing donkey Astra was spotted on camera crying for her newborn foal after it was stolen from an animal farm
The ranch’s owner, Elizabeth Miller, believes Moon was kidnapped while staff were tending to tourists
“A big thank you to all the media outlets that spread the story, Thames Valley Police for their prompt response and Surrey and Hampshire Police for their work behind the scenes.”
After Moon’s disappearance, her heartbroken mother had Astra “braying” and desperate to find her foal.
Days ago, police launched a call after a donkey matching Moon’s description was seen in the back of a car.
A woman reported to police that she had been driving with her friend on Upper Hale Road in nearby Farnham at around 3pm on 15 May when she came to a stop at a traffic light at the junction with the A325.
She said the car in front of her, a blue station wagon of unknown make and model, had a baby donkey in the back.
Moon is a Mediterranean miniature donkey, a breed that has trouble regulating its heat and may need blankets to keep warm at night.
Social media users following Moon’s case wrote online cheering the news that she had been found.
Marie Benjamin said, “What wonderful news! I’m so happy for all of you, especially Astra getting her baby back.’
Samantha Ferneley said, “Great news! I hope they catch whoever did this.’