Love stories at Battersea Park Zoo: A donkey bromance

Love is in the air at Battersea Park Children's Zoo this week thanks to a new series 'Love Stories at the Zoo'.

The local zoo kicked off its sweet series looking at the friendships and romantic pairings of its residents on Monday (February 13) by sharing the special bromance between its two resident donkeys, Smokey and Dusty.

Since their arrival at the zoo in 2007, Smokey and Dusty have maintained an incredible friendship and "inseparable bond".

Donkeys are known to form lifelong bonds and these two boys have proven this to be true in sickness and in health.

Transported away from home for a veterinary procedure a few years ago, Dusty was not without his trusty pal Smokey by his side.

"Smokey stayed with Dusty throughout the procedure, hanging his head over the stable door to keep a watchful eye over his best friend at all times," wrote Battersea Park Children's Zoo.

It added: "Fast forward a few years and we are pleased to say Dusty is back to full health and causing mischief! Dusty and Smokey's favourite thing to do together is to play football and they can regularly be seen racing around their paddock enjoying a kick-about, whilst their neighbour Feather the Shetland Pony looks on in bewilderment!"

Stay tuned as we bring you more Love Stories at the Zoo this week.