Donkey Seems to be Smiling After Being Rescued from Flood Waters in Ireland

He certainly had every reason to express his delight at being saved after becoming stranded in flood waters.

And this is the hilarious moment a donkey appeared to grin after a rowing club member came to his rescue in Killorglin, County Kerry.

The animal escaped from his stable in the town in western Ireland on Saturday night after stormy weather damaged the gate.

All smiles: Animal shelter founder Suzanne Gibbons with a very happy donkey after he was rescued from a flooded field in County Kerry.

Taken to safety: A team of rescuers managed to get a rope and buoyancy aid around the terrified donkey before towing him to land.

Safe now: The animal escaped from its stable in the town in western Ireland on Saturday night after stormy weather damaged the gate.

On land: After receiving a call from his concerned owner, Animal Heaven Animal Rescue issued an appeal for help in retrieving the donkey.

The male donkey was discovered stranded in a field the next morning, surrounded by deep flood water - the results of a burst riverbank nearby.

After receiving a call from his concerned owner, Animal Heaven Animal Rescue (Ahar) issued an appeal for help in retrieving the donkey.

And it was answered by Mike Fleming, a member of Killorglin Rowing Club, who joined together with a team of rescuers from the animal shelter.

Assisted by Mr. Fleming and his boat, they managed to get a rope and buoyancy aid around the terrified donkey before towing him to land.

An Animal Heaven Animal Rescue (Ahar) spokesman said the donkey, which has been named Mike after his rescuer, is recovering at the animal shelter while his stable is repaired.

Teamwork: The animal escaped from his stable in Killorglin in western Ireland on Saturday night after stormy weather damaged the gate.

Waiting game: The rescue center said the donkey, named Mike after his rescuer, is recovering at the shelter while his stable is repaired.

Nursed: A vet has seen the donkey, who has a small amount of fluid in one lung, and started him on antibiotics to prevent pneumonia.

Saying that he needs 'loads of TLC', shelter founder Suzanne Gibbons added: ‘He is now dried with towels, eating a hot mash, all cozy and warm.

“Our vet has seen him and started him on antibiotics to prevent pneumonia. He has a small bit of fluid in one lung but our vet said he will recover.”

Meanwhile thousands of people in Britain remain without power in the aftermath of serious flooding following Storm Desmond.

Homes and businesses in the North West of England have been devastated by record rainfall, and the extreme weather has claimed three lives.

The Met Office has issued a severe rain warning this week as Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland brace themselves for more downpours.

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