Baby Donkey Born on Christmas Eve Passes Away

Employees and customers of Devitt's Nursery are mourning the loss of a baby donkey.

Angel the donkey was born on Christmas Eve at the New Windsor nursery. Crowds of people who visited Devitt's to see Eggbert during the holiday season got to witness an added attraction when it was announced that Molly the donkey was pregnant and would soon be giving birth.

A "donkey-cam" was even installed so fans could monitor the foal's birth live leading up to Christmas.Eve.

On Thursday morning Devitt's announced the devastating news that Angel had passed away due to congenital heart and liver defects. They shared a message from the Goodnow Family Farm, which owns and cares for the animals. The message said,

It is with great sadness that we must announce the passing of our sweet foal, Angel. Angel had returned home with her mom, Molly and continued to thrive until one morning when she quickly deteriorated. Emergency medical interventions were immediately given to Angel by her vet and yet despite their efforts she passed in her sleep... We are so blessed that everyone was able to be part of Molly's Christmas Eve birth and hope that it lifted your hearts... A necropsy was performed by Dr. Churchill DVM, who confirmed that Angel was born with congenital heart and liver defects which directly contributed to her passing.

Grace, who is a daughter of the Goodnow family, became very attached to Angel. She would read stories to the baby donkey and even curl up to sleep with her in a blanket. The family is asking people to send messages of support to Grace as she deals with the loss of Angel.

The family says they are going to get a new foal in the spring that Molly the donkey and Grace can help raise together.