Orpington farm's oldest animal, donkey Ellee, dies aged 32

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 17:32 · Archive

Ellee, a 32-year-old donkey at Christmas Tree Farm in Orpington, has died after spending her entire life there.

Ellee, a donkey at Christmas Tree Farm in Downe, Orpington, died on 11 November aged 32. She was the oldest animal at the farm, having been born there in 1994. She had even outlived her own foal, which died approximately five years ago.

Manager Paul Gubby, who has managed the farm for more than 40 years, described the loss as 'very sad'. He told outlets he was present when Ellee was born and remained with her until her death. 'Over the years you see a lot of animals born and it's very sad when they go,' he said. 'She will be missed, not just by us but by members of the public as well.'

Gubby noted that local villagers who walked their dogs around the farm would often bring Ellee treats. The farm's Facebook announcement of her death generated significant community response, gaining more than 2,000 reactions and 142 comments. Many commenters shared memories of the donkey and her impact on families' visits to the farm.

How it is being reported

• Community 'devastated' after Orpington farm's oldest animal dies aged 32A donkey a farm in Orpington has died, sparking an outpouring of love and support from the community.News Shopper · 13 Nov, 17:00
• Community 'devastated' after Orpington farm's oldest animal dies aged 32A donkey a farm in Orpington has died, sparking an outpouring of love and support from the community.This Is Local London · 13 Nov, 17:00

In this story: Ellee · Christmas Tree Farm · Orpington · Paul Gubby · Downe

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log