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Donkey Hank Breaks World Record with Jaw-Dropping Ears
Confirmed
In Short: Hank, a 16-year-old donkey from Pennsylvania, has been crowned the donkey with the longest ears, measuring 17.12 inches, according to Guinness World Records.
Playful and well-loved, Hank, a 16-year-old donkey from Muncy, Pennsylvania, has just broken the world record for the longest ears on a living donkey, measuring an impressive 17.12 inches, according to Guinness World Records. His keeper, Jennifer Gee, first met Hank five years ago and fell in love with him, bringing him home to join her on hiking adventures and trail obstacle competitions.
Jennifer Gee, who runs Buckhorn Ranch, says, 'I ended up purchasing him because I fell in love with him.' Over the past five years, Jennifer and Hank have become inseparable, with Hank enjoying his time as her hiking buddy and tormenting his other animal friends. They also participate in trail obstacle competitions, where Jennifer guides Hank through various obstacles.
The Gees began raising donkeys about 15 years ago, and after their first donkey passed away, they found Hank at a local breeder. Jennifer explains, 'Donkeys age a lot slower than horses. With a horse, you have to stop riding them at 25 or so. Donkeys can be ridden and used well into the 30s.' At 16, Hank has been a beloved member of the family for five years.
In the wake of his award, Jennifer notes, 'I joke, but he's the sweetest, most outgoing, lovable donkey and he just loves people probably more than he loves other animals.' Hank's head has even grown bigger, according to Jennifer, but his record-breaking ears remain a source of joy and pride for the family.
What's still developing
- It’s a well-known fact that donkeys have big, long ears – they help them cool down when it’s really hot outside, plus they can hear sounds from far, far away!
- So what’s so special about this particular donkey named Hank?
- She says that Hank ran right up to her, and wouldn’t leave her side until she eventually decided to bring him home with her!
- "I grew up on a farm called Buckhorn Ranch. My grandfather was Max Buck, and he bought and sold horses, mules and donkeys," she explained.
- "You don't win any money. It's just something to say you have, and I'm sure at some point there will be people who push us out of the running, so you just enjoy it and joke around, telling people you have the donkey with the longest ears in the world," Gee said.