Trending
Greater Manchester farm angers parents with ‘terrible’ name for baby donkey
‘What a god awful name for such a beautiful animal, poor mite’
A farm in Bolton has divided opinions with its decision to let customers pick the name for their newborn donkey.
Smithills Open Farm took to Facebook earlier this month to share the delightful news that their resident donkey Matilda had given birth to a male foal.
The dairy farm later shared an update of the foal’s progress and asked for name suggestions, pointing out that his mum’s name is Matilda and his dad’s name is Scooby. They then explained that the best name would be picked ‘at random’ the next day.
However, their wholesome plan didn’t go down too well.
Smithills Open Farm / Facebook
Out of all the name suggestions, the farms owners decided that the entry of Bruce Bogtrotter would suit the foal best.
Yes, as in the famed schoolboy who is forced to eat a whole chocolate cake in front of his school in Roald Dahl’s Matilda.
As you’d expect, the donkey’s new name didn’t sit well with some people on Facebook, who slammed it as ‘terrible’ and completely unsuitable for such a ‘sweet’ animal.
One person wrote: “What an awful name for this beautiful creature,” while another commented: “Poor thing what kind of name is that… all the lovely names you could choose and you pick that one. Sorry don’t like it one bit.”
Smithills Open Farm / Facebook
The farm were quick to defend the divisive name, however, with them taking to Facebook to explain why they decided to christen the donkey as they did.
Farmer Carl Grimshaw wrote: “I think I need to explain our choice… Bogtrotter’s mum is called Matilda and she is a very popular member of the Smithills Family, we really like the name Bruce but we thought it was too boring for his playful character.
“Bruce Bogtrotter is how he will be introduced at the farm and in Pets Corner and if you know our farm well enough you will know all the children will love his name and the story behind it.”
And donkeys aren’t the only animals to see at Smithills; children can bottle feed lambs and goats in the Pets Corner, handle the rabbits, chicks and guinea pigs and enjoy tractor rides.