A donkey foal being raised at a high school in New South Wales' central west as a support animal for students has had an immediate impact on the school community.
Ten-month-old Bria the donkey recently joined West Wyalong High School as a support animal to help students with learning difficulties, those seeking support, and those students whose families were recovering from last year's floods.
Year 12 student Brianna Hanrahan said she has been an immediate hit at the school.
"Doing the HSC there is a lot of stress and anxiety and Bria just calms you down and makes you forget about everything," Brianna said.
"You will walk out and she will do her little prance around the yard. You have to stop and smile at her."
The idea to bring Bria to the school came from science and agricultural teacher Julie Maslin, who was inspired after hearing about the Last Stop Donkey Program, an initiative that trains and rehomes wild donkeys from the Northern Territory and Queensland.
Ms Maslin said the Hunter Valley-born foal has helped to raise morale at the school after the many challenges the region has faced in the past year.
"We have had a tough 12 months with floods and hardship in the community. It is just nice to have students of all ages come out and have a bit of relief," she said.
"To come out and spend some time with the tactile feeling of brushing the donkey, running their hand through its hair and being around Bria has been amazing."
Ms Maslin said the impact was immediate for students.
"To be able to see the kids' faces, the enjoyment they get out of being around the donkey and patting it, it is quite a privilege and a great opportunity for us all."
'Can I have a donkey?'
Ricki Bishop is the school's student support officer and has seen the effect Bria has had on kids with disabilities and behaviour issues.
"They come in here and change a level immediately. Before they know it they are patting and brush her, it makes everyone calm," Ms Bishop said.
"She is just a gentle creature that doesn't judge. She doesn't care what you smell like or look like, what you are in. Once you get near her she'll just distract you and opens the kids up."
Ms Bishop said the donkey has meant more kids have been willing to seek support.
"Students come and say 'can we have a chat?' and more often than not I am just grabbing my keys, 'let's go out and see Bria'," she said.
"I am getting a lot more visitors lately just so they can go out and see her."
Ms Maslin said the animal has become the kids' favourite pet.
"The students who meet Bria often go home and say 'can I have a donkey?' so it has kicked off quite well."
