Twin donkeys defy naysayers

Rare twin donkeys Lonegan and Donegan celebrated their seventh birthday on Sunday.

The two Irish donkeys are only the second known pair of twins to survive after childbirth.

Owner Barbara Bracken said it was a miracle the twins had both lived this long, especially Lonegan who was born with severely deformed legs.

She said after their birth most people didn't believe Lonegan would survive.

"Lonegan's legs were deformed. There just wasn't enough room in their mother's stomach for two," she said.

"I spoke to people from all over the world and a lot of people didn't believe he would survive and told me I should put him down, but I never gave up hope."

After news of the donkeys travelled the world, donations started pouring in and soon Mrs Bracken had received more than $46,000 to help fix Lonegan's legs.

Mrs Bracken said thanks to the donations she could afford the surgeries which straightened Lonegan's legs.

"We received so much love and support from the public, which paid for our vet bills, and the rest of the money was donated to charity," she said

"I feel so blessed to have these boys in my life. They mean the world to me and there is a reason they are both here with me now."