Donkey has two mums after 'one in a million' birth

He added: "The foal is grey so that gives us no indication from either mum.

"Because they foaled at the same time, both donkeys were looking round to see a foal that was fine and running about and that's what they found.

"They both bonded with the same foal, are feeding the same foal and care for the same foal.

Conflicting advice came from the nearest equine hospital in Lanark and from a behaviourist at The Donkey Sactuary in Devon.

Should they separate the mums, and which one should get the foal, now named Solomon?

Mr Best tried to work it out: "Looking at the foal, he was snuggling with Mary and feeding, but then five minutes later he would nestle into Star. He is nursing from both donkeys at the same time. To the foal he has two mums."

The farm staff considered the idea of trying to find an orphan foal to give to the bereaved donkey, but Mr Best said he realised why that wouldn't work.

"I had an epiphany. An orphan foal isn't going to work because none of these mums accept they have lost a foal.

"None of them are looking for a foal because to them, they have it."

So, for now the threesome will live together.