Mare Rescued While Pregnant Surprises Everyone With Twins

Donna was already in foal when she was found abandoned in Cheshire, England last year. She was welcomed by Hillside Animal Sanctuary where she became one of about 40 rescued mares preparing to give birth in the spring.

During an examination, the sanctuary's vet noted that one of the mares might be carrying twins. That mare was not Donna, but nonetheless, in the early hours of April 7, 2017, she delivered two foals - a colt and a filly!

The first, smaller foal was delivered easily without incident, but Donna required a bit of assistance bringing her larger foal into the world. Despite their unplanned arrival, both babies - soon named Tina and Tom - thrived right from the start.

They began to suckle within a few hours and have shown every sign of health since their birth. The odds of both twin foals surviving are only one in 10,000 - making these two cuties all the more special!

In an update posted to the Hillside Animal Sanctuary Facebook page on April 21, the rescue reported that Donna, Tina and Tom are all quite happy and healthy. Donna has proven herself to be a wonderful mom despite her unknown background, and the twins are just as spunky and precocious as young foals should be.

The Hillside Animal Sanctuary is home to more than 3,000 animals - including 1,850 Rescued Horses, Ponies and Donkeys. Most of their 300 Rescued Cows, 600 Sheep and Goats, and 300 Pigs were rescued from the farming industry, and they also rescue wildlife.

To learn more about Hillside's mission and find out how you can help, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.

Featured Image via Hillside Animal Sanctuary