On Friday 30th May, from 10.00am to 3.00pm, the Green Howards Museum in Trinity Church Square, Richmond, North Yorkshire, will welcome Marie Bates’ wonderful Blackberry Donkeys, heralding from Long Ears Donkey Centre near Hartlepool.

Visitors will be able to meet and stroke the donkeys, see authentic wartime pack saddles, VE War brasses and learn about the special role of donkeys in military history.

The donkeys’ visit accompanies the Museum’s popular Animal Allies Exhibition, which explores the contributions of animals in the World Wars and more recent conflicts. The exhibition brings to life the incredible stories of horses, donkeys, mules, dogs, and pigeons through a captivating collection of artefacts and stories.

As part of this special showcase, the Northern Region of The Donkey Breed Society has partnered with the Museum to display their beautifully crafted Purple Poppies. Originally crafted in Richmond, North Yorkshire and gifted to The Society, these poppies serve as a poignant tribute to the animals who played crucial roles in both war and peace-keeping efforts.

Sarah Booth, from The Northern Region of The Donkey Breed Society, highlights the significant role of animals in wartime: “An estimated 16 million animals took part in World War I, demonstrating astonishing bravery, adaptability, and versatility. Their contributions continued in World War II and even in modern conflicts, where explosives detection and search and rescue dogs have been deployed. Donkeys remain essential working animals in places like Afghanistan and beyond. We are incredibly grateful toThe Green Howards Museum for hosting our collection as part of their Animal Allies Exhibition.”

This is a unique opportunity for visitors of all ages to engage with history in a truly hands-on way.

The Green Howards Museum, Richmond, is open Monday to Saturday from10.00am – 4.30pm, with last entry at 4.00pm. Entry to the exhibition is included with the General Admission to the museum.

See www.greenhowards.org throughout 2025 for further information on exhibitions, tours, talks, workshops and family-friendly events.

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