World Cup: Much-loved donkey foal predicts England to win

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Sussex's favourite donkey has backed England to beat Norway in the World Cup.

Gervais the foal was named in honour of comedian Ricky Gervais after he donated £100,000 to Haywards Heath-based charity Safe Haven for Donkeys.

She was born at the charity's sanctuary in Israel in April, after her mother Deborah was found wandering in the Negev desert heavily pregnant.

Gervais appears to have backed to win England v Norway on Saturday, after she and her mother Deborah galloped into the barn at Safe Haven for Donkeys’ sanctuary in Israel and tucked enthusiastically into a bucket of carrots beside an England flag.

Gervais was also offered cucumber beside a Norway flag, but seemed decidedly less enthusiastic.

England's future has never looked so bright.

Andy Foxcroft, chief executive of Safe Haven for Donkeys, said: "Behind the fun, this is also a reminder of why sanctuary care matters.

"Gervais and Deborah are being given the time, space and expert support they need to feel safe, build trust and become part of the wider herd at their own pace."

She was recently given a clean bill of health by a vet, with vaccinations planned for when she reaches four months old.

Although she was also given the opportunity to predict the outcome of the England v Mexico game, she seemed more interested in nibbling the flags than showing her psychic streak on that occasion.

The other donkeys in the herd have also caught World Cup fever, with a number of them spotted having a kickabout in the paddock.

Plans are underway to introduce Gervais and her mother Deborah to the wider herd more formally.

A previous attempt did not go smoothly, with the herd rejecting Gervais and Deborah.

Anna Harrison, the sanctuary’s UK-based volunteer vet adviser, has recommended a gentler, phased approach to help the pair integrate at their own pace.

Although Safe Haven for Donkeys is based in Sussex, it supports working donkeys, mules and horses across Israel, the West Bank, Gaza and Egypt through their veterinary and welfare programmes.

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