Devon donkey Kai named after Premiership footballer

Ass is at Sidmouth (and Arsenal)

A Devon donkey has been named after a Premiership footballer.

The ass called Kai is named as such because Kai Havertz, who is about to leave Chelsea to join Arsenal, likes donkeys.

The new-born foal was born to rescued donkey Rosie at Sidmouth's Donkey Sanctuary a few months ago.

The decision to name him Kai came about after the soccer star talked about his regard for the beasts.
 
Mr Havertz revealed his teammates call him ‘donkey’ because like his equine friends he is said to be a deep thinker and a calming presence on the field.
 
He grew up spending time with rescued donkeys at a sanctuary near his hometown of Aachen, said: “I have followed the work of The Donkey Sanctuary for some time so when they got in touch to say they’d like to name a foal after me, I was delighted.
 
“Donkeys are such incredible animals, and I am very happy to give my name so this little donkey can help raise awareness of the importance of good donkey welfare, here and all around the world.”

Kai's good at dribbling (image courtesy: The Donkey Sanctuary)
 
The staff at the sanctuary wanted to recognise Kai’s appreciation of these often-misunderstood animals and their emotional intelligence, and the effort he is making through his new foundation to improve the lives of donkeys in his home country of Germany. Kai Havertz Stiftung is a not-for-profit organisation supporting animal protection and welfare, youth and elderly care, and sporting youth development.
 
It appears the gorgeous fluffy grey and white donkey foal, who has already captured the hearts of his grooms at the sanctuary in Sidmouth, seems to be a fan of the beautiful game too.
 
Marianne Steele, CEO of the Donkey Sanctuary, added: “Kai has proved to be a real champion of donkeys in every sense of the word.
 
“We are so pleased to have the opportunity to name our new foal after him and hope he will continue to inspire people to think about donkeys differently.”