The Graciosa donkey, which originates from the Azores’ Graciosa island, has been at the farm on the mainland since September last year, but its handing-over from the GNR to the Lisbon local authority has only now become official.
In a diploma signed last week, the GNR recognised “the activity of the Quinta Pedagógica de Lisboa, in Olivais (QPO) as being directly associated with the protection of nature and the environment, and which promotes pedagogical actions of animal protection”.
For that reason, the GNR said, it contacted the farm with the “intention to donate” Jagóz the donkey.
According to online news site DN, the 20-year-old donkey arrived on mainland Portugal on 8 February, 2000, “through the Society for the Protection of Animals and was donated by that institution on 10 June, 2004, to the GNR”.
The animal was originally housed at the GNR School in Queluz, until 25 September last year, after which the force “entrusted” him to the QPO, because there was “a mutual understanding that it would be interesting to allow the contact of the general public with Jagóz to raise awareness about the importance of conservation of indigenous breeds”, in particular “those that are at risk of extinction, as is the case”, the diploma read.
The proposal, signed by the Councillor for Green Spaces and the Environment, José Sá Fernandes, arose from the GNR’s intention to “formalise the donation to Lisbon Council”, so that Jagóz can live out his days at the pedagogical farm.
In a statement on social media, the Quinta Pedagógica said: “Formally our Jagóz is now part of QPO! Our thanks to the GNR School in Queluz that kindly donated this animal to Lisbon Council”.
And Jagóz is in good company because there are currently two Graciosa donkeys at the farm.
The Graciosa donkey breed was considered an autochthonous breed on 29 June, 2015, and, according to informaton from Lisbon council, there are just between 70 to 100 specimens left.
The Graciosa breed and the Miranda donkey are the only two donkey breeds that are native to Portugal.