Here are Werona Vale we have both Miniature Donkeys and Belted Galloways. New to the farm, we now have miniature Galloways. Werona Vale Donkey Stud was established in 1975 at Berwick (When the area was farms!!)
My first purchase was a Jenny who had been bought from the wild a few years before and a Jenny foal at foot. These two donkeys went on to remain in my care until Penny (adult) passed on at the age of 40 and Tuppence (foal) remained with me for her entire life of 40 years.
Now established as a Miniature Mediterranean Donkey Stud on my new property at Tooradin along with my Belted Galloway Cattle Stud and commercial beef operation. So welcome to our new website which features all of our Miniature Donkeys and Belted Galloways.
Miniature Mediteranean Donkeys
American Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys were first imported to Australia in the 1990s. They have a long and documented history, and are a specific breed in their own right, not ‘bred down’ to size. Maximum height of a Miniature Mediterranean is 36 inches. The Australian Stud Book Register maintained by Donkey All Breeds Society of Australia allows for varying percentages of pure Miniature Mediterranean bloodlines.
Mediterranean Mini’s are very personable little souls, and make both wonderful pets, and fun little competition/recreational Donkeys. Dedicated breeders are currently importing some terrific new lines into Australia, and the breed is growing in popularity as more people become aware of these versatile and loving little animals.
American Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys are exceptionally intelligent, learn quickly, and are easily trained. The first and foremost attraction to American Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys is their loving personalities. They form close attachments to their owners, and thoroughly enjoy human company. American Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys are a breed of their own, and not ‘bred down’ as are many other Miniatures, (which can cause the inherent genetics of an animal to become diluted).
Originally from Africa, they were taken to the Mediterranean Islands of Sardinia and Sicily to be beasts of burden. They pulled carts, carried loaded packs and did other farm work. Today most Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys are kept as pets, as a hobby, recreation, and showing.
Because Miniature Mediterraneans were so small, they were employed to turn grinding stones for grain inside the peasants houses. There are 18th century wood block pictures showing these small Donkeys, blindfolded, attached to the grain mill and walking in endless circles. They were also used to carry water from village wells and supplies into the mountains for shepherds. Now almost extinct in their native land, these diminutive little animals are a popular pet in the USA.
In 1929 Stockbroker Robert Green imported six Jenny’s and a Jack to the U.S from Sicily. He had heard about the wonderful little animals during a trip to Europe, and without even seeing the Donkeys he purchased and arranged their shipping through an agent in Paris. They were settled at his Stud Farm in New Jersey. Their adorable natures created interest, and these animals were supplemented with further importations into the U.S by other enthusiasts intrigued by these engaging animals at intervals up until the 1950’s, and possibly the early 1960’s. A registry was established in 1958 and is thriving today.
Miniature Mediterraneans usually have at least three recorded generations of ancestry. Many have up to 400 recorded ancestors, dating back to the first imports from Sardinia.
So if you are interested in Miniature Donkeys and Belted Galloways take some time and have a look around the website. Or click here to get in contact.
Belted Galloway cattle were first introduced to me in the drought of 1983 from one of the pioneers of Belties in Australia Stan Robinson.
At this stage they were being bred through other breeds to get them started and were much bigger than the cattle we see today.
As traditional Scottish Cattle they have adapted very well to Australian conditions and with the injection of good lines from America and Scotland they are right up there in world quality.
Having not had them for many years some Stud stock were purchased in 2014 when moving to the new farm in Tooradin and a mix of Red and Black were established.