Legendary rescued mule celebrates 30th birthday

The offspring of a male donkey and a female pony, little mule Muffin was rescued alongside his mum Doris when he was just a few days old. The pair were due to be sold for slaughter at a local horse sale but Redwings was able to offer them a new home instead. Sadly, poor Doris passed away after arriving at the Sanctuary when it was discovered she had an ulcer in her stomach. 

Fortunately, Muffin had become friends with another youngster, a pony called April, and thanks to her company and with lots of TLC from the Sanctuary’s equine care team, he overcame his loss and grew up to become one of the charity’s most treasured residents and its longest-serving Adoption Star. 

Muffin now happily lives amongst Redwings Caldecott’s large donkey and mule herd, where he has been charming visitors for almost 20 years, and can often be spotted getting up to mischief with his fellow mule pals Nogs and Guy.

To mark Muffin’s momentous birthday, Redwings is inviting supporters – old and new – to come along and share memories of their favourite mule at a special party at Redwings Caldecott on Sunday 16th April from 11.30am. 

On the big day, visitors will have the chance to enjoy cuddles with Muffin, join in a quiz trail and party games, and watch him tuck into his very own birthday cake!

Supporters can sponsor Muffin for just £12.50 a year, with the funds going directly towards his daily care and that of his friends. Anyone who sponsors one of Redwings’ 24 Adoption Stars can visit them for free at the centre where they live and receive updates on their four-legged friend’s progress. And they too are invited to celebrate their Adoption Star’s birthday with a party every year.

Gemma Walpole, Redwings’ Head of Fundraising, said:

“Our magnificent Muffin is nothing short of a Redwings legend! This charming chap has been delighting his supporters, as well as raising the flag for mule-kind, for decades and we think he thoroughly deserves a big celebration for his milestone birthday. 

“We know of families and supporters who have sponsored and visited him for generations, and we hope as many of them as possible will be able to come along to his party and share this special occasion with us.”

And if partying with one Adoption Star wasn’t enough, Redwings Caldecott’s other resident Adoption Stars will be celebrating their birthdays with parties, including:

Super-friendly horse Victoria on Sunday 28th May
Cheeky Shetland pony Sampson on Sunday 2nd July
Lovable pony Cauli on Sunday 30th July
Beautiful Shire horse Poppy on Sunday 20th August
Adorable donkey Denise on Sunday 3rd September
Little donkey Esther on Sunday 29th October
 Muffin’s birthday party will take place on Sunday 16th April from 11.30am. Join in the celebrations at Redwings Caldecott, Beccles Road, Fritton, Norfolk NR31 9EY. 

For more information about the Adoption Club or to sponsor a Redwings Adoption Star, www.redwings.org.uk/adopting