Audubon Mourns Loss of Sicilian Donkey

Audubon Zoo is mourning the loss of one its beloved long-term residents. Margaret the Sicilian donkey was just shy of 31 years old and an iconic figure at Audubon Zoo for nearly 30 years. Generations of Zoo visitors encountered her from her days in the Children’s Zoo and later in Watoto Farm. In the best interest of her welfare, the difficult decision was made to euthanize her due to declining quality of life.   

Margaret arrived in New Orleans in January 1994 from a Texas farm. She was a donkey in every way, she was stubborn, smart, spicy, and sweet. Her care team says she would greet them with a good morning bray when they arrived at her barn. Margaret had favorites on her care team, but they say everyone always knew where they stood with her. Margaret loved an occasional treat…and her care team says she could hear a mint being unwrapped from a mile away.

She was an active participant in her care over the years and that definitely helped keep her healthy and happy for so long.

Margaret will be deeply missed by all of her care staff and everyone she encountered. Her care team says they hope all the  kids (and adults) that she met through the years were inspired to make the world a better place for animals and wild places.