Rare cross between donkey and zebra known as ‘zonkey’ born on Somerset farm

Zippy believed to be only second creature his kind living in Britain

A farm in Somerset has welcomed a rare cross between a zebra and a donkey known as a "zonkey".

Zippy was born on Kristine Turner’s 55-acre farm in South Barrow, Somerset.

Until his arrival on 2 October, there was thought to be only one other zonkey in Britain. Zambi lives on a donkey sanctuary in Shropshire.

Zippy's mother Ziggy, a six-year-old zebra, was bought for £10,000 from Germany and shares the fields with nine donkeys including his father Rag.

Ms Turner said that Zippy's arrival was a complete surprise to her as she didn't realise that Ziggy was pregnant.

“Last month I opened my bedroom curtains, which look onto the farm, and I just saw this little foal sitting up staring my way," she said. “I was in complete shock. I ran downstairs in my PJs, put a coat on and went over to see him.

Zippy the 'zonkey' with mother Ziggy (SWNS)

“He seemed like a right little character and has had a personality from day one."

She added: “He’s half a wild animal so he’ll nip and kick me a tiny bit but in a cheeky way. Then he’ll dash off. He has quite a fitting name really. He’s calmed down a bit now as he lets me brush him. Ziggy has really taken to motherhood and she's a great mum. He's never out of her sight. They wander round the farm and do everything together. Rag tends to keep out the way.

Zippy the 'zonkey' with mother Ziggy and owner Kristine Turner (SWNS)

“It was a completely natural process. It wasn’t as if I forced them together and was trying to engineer it. I bred Rag on the farm four years ago so I had years thinking it was never going to happen - despite really wanting it too.

“I'm just so happy. Zippy is just a little miracle.”

SWNS