They say never look a gift horse in the mouth – but how about a donkey?
Three donkeys and two alpacas have arrived at Westlake and are making friends with volunteers and other animals at their new home.
The loveable creatures were a gift from local Geb White, a local farmer and restaurateur.
Geb, who owns the White Owl in Thurstaston, said: “Having a large family, a farm and a restaurant to run meant I had less time to look after them. A mutual friend told me about Westlake and suggested it would be a good place for them.
“It’s a lovely site and the plans are very exciting, so I’m very pleased to see them go to such a good home.”
Westlake co-owner David Haycocks said: “Our new residents are real characters and I’m sure they will be very popular with children when we open our doors to local schools.
“Whilst the vision of Westlake remains an equine therapy centre, it has always been a big part of our plan to be able to offer guests and volunteers the chance to learn animal husbandry skills or just spend time with animals as a route to wellbeing.
“Being able to care for the new animals is also an added bonus for students from Reaseheath College who are enhancing their land and animal management studies by working with us on a number of projects.”