Meet Teddy and Tim: The Beloved Miniature Donkeys at Old Forest School

At Old Forest School, we’re not just known for being one of the best wedding venues in Bay of Plenty, NZ— we’re also home to two very special residents who have stolen the hearts of couples and guests alike. Teddy and Tim, our beloved miniature donkeys, are rescue brothers who found their forever home here …

Welcoming Your Best Furry Friend to Old Forest School: A Pet-Friendly Wedding Venue with Heart

At Old Forest School, we know that pets are family, and for many couples, a wedding celebration wouldn’t feel complete without their furry (or feathered!) friend by their side. Our venue, one of the most welcoming and versatile wedding venues in Bay of Plenty, NZ, has joyfully hosted countless beloved animals, from dogs and cats …

Donkeys wedding venue

A pair of miniature donkeys arrive at wedding venue

Have you met the latest new entrants at Old Forest School – Vintage Wedding Venue. Teddy and Tim are a couple of 2 year old miniature donkeys.

Teddy (the shaggy one) and Tim (the not so shaggy one).

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We’re thrilled to introduce two very special new additions to Old Forest School—our rescued miniature Jerusalem donkeys! These lovely boys are settling in and slowly learning to trust people again. Though they’re still adjusting to their new home and are a bit shy, they already love a gentle scratch behind the ears. For now, they’re happiest in their paddock with some space, but we’re sure they’ll warm up to visitors in no time.

When you visit Old Forest School, be sure to stop by and say hello! These gentle souls bring a little magic to our grounds, and we’re excited to share some fascinating facts about them:

Do you know why they’re called Jerusalem donkeys?
If you look closely, you’ll see a cross-shaped marking on their backs. According to legend, Jerusalem donkeys were so heartbroken by the sight of Jesus on the cross that they had to turn away. This mark is said to be a symbol of their loyal and humble spirit, left in honor of their devotion and service.

Did you know they’re also a lucky omen for expectant mothers?
It’s believed that seeing a Jerusalem donkey while pregnant brings blessings for the child—a life marked by kindness, good manners, and wisdom.

Our donkeys bring both charm and a touch of folklore to Old Forest School, adding yet another unique element to the experience here. We feel so lucky to give these boys a new home, and we can’t wait for them to become a beloved part of the family here, sharing their gentle energy with everyone who visits.

The coppers arrive at wedding venue

We’ve had some new guests arrive at our wedding venue; The Coppers. A quartet of beautiful Red Shaver Hens, that have been named because of their colour (copper brown) and the fact they look a little like a detective on a fresh crime scene. Incriminating looks, ponderous expressions and some accusational neck thrusting.

Holly has named them because her love of British crime shows.

We have Barnaby from Midsomer Murders.

Lestrade from Sherlock Holmes.

Lewis from the show by the same name.

And one for the true aficionado of British crime drama, Gene Genie from Life On Mars.

The Coppers have just started laying eggs for us, those clever girls. So they now have a brand new sign on the gate of the chicken coop.

Look at for them next time you visit Old Forest School, they might be on their beat (free ranging).

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