To high schools in Mid-West of United States:
It
may seem uncommon for many of you what this letter is about, or it could be an
expected tradition for others, but I donate this text to donkey basketball and
its benefits for humans and animals as well.
Donkey
basketball or simply donkey ball is a genuine American tradition, originated
immediately after the Great Depression, in 1930’s. This was one of the few
feasible practices found by many financially broken farmers to survive during
this tough period. In addition, they also achieved a way in which their animals
were included. Thence, their beloved donkeys wouldn’t have to take other gloomy
way, such as abandonment, euthanasia or slaughter. After they came up with this
incredible idea, they started to broadcast the donkey ball.
This
practice (donkey basketball) consists of gathering young and/or adult people,
including some special donkeys to children, in a high school to raise
substantial amount of money for the educational institution itself and,
obviously, to promote social development, amusement, leisure and bring people
together. The animals are provided by a well-known group, with years of
experience in the market and related to animal physiology and behavior. Safe
games are performed on the court, with enthusiasm guaranteed for the grandstand
and players.
Bringing
donkeys to the school can be a great activity, once these are docile and
trained animals, which can indeed add to students’ background regarding animal
behavior and interactions. Donkeys are easily handled, very loyal, strong and
patient. That way, people riding them can have a great time feeling how the
animal interacts with them. In addition, as already mentioned, exercise and fun
is guaranteed to all.
To
address and ease people’s concerns, first of all, educational material is
provided in many companies’ or groups’ websites regarding the history of this
practice, the quality of their professionalism, and photos of the property and
the animals, so everyone can check the conditions of their environment,
donkeys’ health status and biological requirements. Second, when the contract
is officially signed, a mini course of donkey’s behavior and safety steps and
biosafety protocols is given to the riders and staff involved during the games.
Third, the company provides, besides the animals, appropriate personal
protective equipment to all players and staff in order to mitigate any risk
odds. Fourth, if any accident may happen, the victim will have full aid in
financial medical costs provided by the amusement company.
If
any concern rises related to animals being stressed in this kind of
competition, Camie Heleski, an
expert in donkey’s behavior in Michigan State’s Department of Animal Science,
ensures that “if they get confused, they just plain stop.”
At
the end of the competition, all the donkeys are handled by proper and experienced
staff to the trucks and driven back to their original farms. There, they rest
as much as they please, with plenty of adequate food, fresh water and adequate
grooming.
Ultimately,
as anyone can observe, donkeys are well treated, receive all required food,
water and care, and can provide harmless, fun activities to high schools,
helping them in fundraising. Everybody – humans and donkeys – win.
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| People having fun with donkey ball |
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