When a kayaker was approached by a wild donkey recently, he realized the animal was asking him for help — and he stepped up to save the day.
Travis Ward, from Arizona, has been kayaking for about a year: he says it helps him connect with nature, according to 12 News.
But on one recent trip on the waters of Lake Pleasant, Travis got an up-close encounter with nature that he will never forget.
Just before heading out on the water, Travis was approached by a donkey. Dozens of donkeys roam free around the lake, so spotting one isn’t unusual, but Travis had never been approached by one so closely before — he soon realized the animal was asking him for help.
![](https://cdn-djur.newsner.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/12183919/Screenshot-2023-09-12-at-2.09.00-PM.jpg)
It appeared the donkey had had an uncomfortable brush with a cactus: “He got closer and I saw there were thorns in his nose and his ear as well,” Travis told 12 News. “I could just tell he was in pain… I realized he was in trouble.”
So, Travis did something inspiring: he approached the donkey and started pulling the thorns out one by one. He removed about 40 cactus spines, and the donkey was reportedly patient and “very calm” during the procedure.
![](https://cdn-djur.newsner.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/09/12183929/Screenshot-2023-09-12-at-2.35.41-PM.jpg)
Travis said the donkey was appreciative, and thanked him by making a “donkey noise” for about a minute before taking off. Travis paused for a few minutes to take in the moment before getting into his kayak, after an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
“It’s always nice to help whether it’s a person or an animal,” he told 12 News.
Thank you for helping this distressed donkey! We know he appreciated your help ❤️
Please share this sweet story!
READ MORE:
- Rescue groups come together to save donkey trapped in sinkhole
- Rare pair of donkey twins born on Oklahoma farm: ‘a huge blessing’
- Baby donkey stolen from farm found, reunited with worried mother
- ‘Look at this guy!’ Giang snapping turtle wows kayakers on Chicago River