MOOSE JAW — One four-legged critter in Moose Jaw nearly earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the oldest living donkey this year, as Bugsy, a 55-year-old donkey residing at the Free To Be Me Animal Sanctuary now surpasses the current world record holder.
Despite otherwise qualifying for the record, Bugsy unfortunately lost his big chance because of missing paperwork that the record-keeping organization required as proof of his age.
“We actually looked into putting him into the Guinness Book of World Records,” said Louanne Shropshire, owner of Free To Be Me Animal Sanctuary.
“We looked into it, and the oldest donkey they had registered was (54) years old,” she explained. “(Bugsy) is 55 this year.”
The existing record holder is a donkey from Glenwood, New Mexico named Suzy who died in 2002 at the age of 54.
When Bugsy took up residence at the sanctuary, Shropshire said his previous owners kept him for 35 years before bringing him into her care. Bugsy then remained with the sanctuary ever since.
“That would make him 55 this year,” she confirmed after another careful calculation.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Bugsy’s claim to fame was denied because of this burden of proof.
“My grandkids actually contacted (Bugsy’s) parents and tried to find his documentation,” Shropshire said. Sadly, she noted, his former owners had moved several times and ended up throwing out the paperwork from Bugsy’s earlier days.
Bugsy’s story began with the grandfather of the family who donated him to Shropshire’s animal sanctuary. He remained with his former family and was brought into the care of the younger generation while they lived and worked on the farm.
“When their kids all grew up, they decided they were going to find (Bugsy) a new home, so they brought him here (to the sanctuary),” Shropshire recalled.
Today, Bugsy seems unaffected over losing his shot at worldwide fame and enjoys nothing more than a fresh, crisp apple each morning and the chance to rest in his own little paddock. He also looks remarkably well for his age and still welcomes regular visitors.
For comparison, donkeys typically live for around 25 to 30 years, and those who are provided exceptional care normally live up to around the age of 40.
Although it’s frustrating to miss this rare opportunity over lost paperwork, Shropshire remains positive and said she’s still proud of him.
“I still say he’s the oldest donkey in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan,” she proudly announced.
If you would like to congratulate Bugsy on (almost) qualifying for his Guinness World Record and meet the other remarkable animals at the Free To Be Me Animal Sanctuary, call 306-684-2231 to book a tour.
The sanctuary opens from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily and is located approximately 6.8 kilometres west of Moose Jaw along Caribou Street West and is just past 32nd Avenue Southwest.
