After 30 years at the fundraising forefront of the sanctuary that saved him Muffin the mule is stepping into retirement.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Muffin the mule is retiring from his ambassador role at Redwings. Photo: RedwingsMuffin the mule is retiring from his ambassador role at Redwings. Photo: Redwings (Image: Archant)

The popular animal, a well known face at Redwings’ Caldecott centre near Fritton, will spend his golden years away from the limelight.

Muffin, who celebrated his 30th milestone with a party last year, was saved from slaughter as a foal and became a Redwings adoption star in 1987 shortly after his arrival.

The adoption scheme allows Redwings’ supporters to sponsor one or more of the charity’s adoption star horses, ponies, donkeys and mules with all the money going towards the care of their four-legged friends and other rescued residents.

But after his retirement Muffin will no longer be available for adoption, although he will keep in touch with his existing sponsors and his fans can still continue to visit him at his home.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Muffin the mule is stepping out of the limelight at Redwings. Photo: RedwingsMuffin the mule is stepping out of the limelight at Redwings. Photo: Redwings (Image: Archant)

Lynn Cutress, Redwings’ chief executive, said: “Our magnificent Muffin celebrated his 30th birthday with a big party this year, and while he remains in good health for his age, we couldn’t think of a more fitting time for him to take a well-earned retirement.

“This beloved chap is the longest serving member of our adoption scheme and we know of families who have sponsored him for generations.

“He’s delighted countless visitors with his friendly nature and mischievous ways, but - remarkably - he’s also helped to raise money which has not just supported him but hundreds of other horses, donkeys and mules who have been brought into the safety of the sanctuary from many desperate situations, just like he was once.

“We’d like to say a big thank you to Muffin for being such a wonderful ambassador for Redwings and to all his fantastic adopters throughout the years.”

The offspring of a male donkey and a female pony, Muffin was rescued alongside his mum Doris when he was just a few days old.

The pair were due to be sold for slaughter at a local horse sale but Redwings was able to offer them a new home instead.

Redwings Caldecott, which is free to enter, will be hosting a series of half term holiday activities from Friday October 20 and it is hoped as many people as possible will drop by to wish Muffin well.

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