The rescue itself was an intense operation.
With life preservers and ropes, Gibbons and her team carefully maneuvered to secure the donkey, who was visibly frightened but cooperative.
A life preserver was wrapped around the animal’s neck, and with a rope tied to it, they slowly but surely led the donkey to safety.
The moment was captured on video, showing the care and bravery of the rescuers.
Gibbons couldn’t praise the efforts of Mike Fleming and another helper, Declan, enough.
Reflecting on the challenge, she told thejournal.ie,
“Never say something can’t be done, just do it. Declan and Mike were beyond brave. So many people told me, ‘Don’t do it, it can’t be done, you can’t swim, you’ll get killed.’ These two men just said, ‘Okay girl, let’s give it a go.’”
Once the donkey was back on solid ground, the sense of relief was through the roof.
But the happiest individual of all was undoubtedly the donkey.
The animal, named Mike after his rescuer, beamed with a huge grin once he was safely out of harm’s way – almost like he was saying “thank you.”
That contagious smile quickly became a viral sensation, capturing hearts around the world.
