2 British Donkeys Set Guinness World Records for Tallest Donkey and Longest Ears

In an extraordinary achievement, two British donkeys from Lincolnshire, England, have earned a special place in the Guinness World Records 2026. The adorable pair, Derrick and Bambou, live at the Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary in Huttoft and have gained worldwide fame for their unique physical traits.

Derrick now holds the record for the tallest living donkey, while Bambou is celebrated for having the longest ears ever recorded on a donkey. Their story has quickly captured hearts around the world, shining a light on the sanctuary that rescued and cares for them.

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Derrick: The Tallest Donkey in the World

Among the gentle residents of the Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary, Derrick stands out literally. Measuring an incredible 167 cm (5 ft 5 in) tall, Derrick towers over most donkeys. His height exceeds the average size for his breed by almost 20 cm, making him a true giant in the donkey world.

Derrick belongs to the American Mammoth Jackstock breed, which is already known for producing some of the largest donkeys in existence. But even among his kind, Derrick’s height is remarkable. His towering presence has officially broken the previous record held by another donkey in Texas.

Visitors at the sanctuary often describe Derrick as calm and friendly, with a gentle personality that matches his impressive size. Staff members say he enjoys attention, treats, and long walks around the fields—often with curious visitors trying to take selfies with the record-breaking donkey.

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Bambou: The Donkey with the Longest Ears

Next to Derrick is another charming record holder Bambou, a Poitou donkey known for his distinct long hair and, most famously, his enormous ears. Measuring 35 cm (1 ft 1 in) each, Bambou’s ears have set a new world record for being the longest ever recorded on a donkey.

Poitou donkeys are one of the rarest breeds in the world, originally from France, and are recognized for their thick, shaggy coats and large ears. Bambou’s fluffy appearance and friendly nature make him a favorite among sanctuary visitors, especially children.

According to the sanctuary’s staff, Bambou loves to show off his ears, often twitching or flicking them playfully when people gather around to take photos. His unique look has made him a beloved star not only at the sanctuary but also on social media, where photos of his long ears often go viral.

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The Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary: A Safe Haven for Rescued Animals

The Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary in Huttoft, Lincolnshire, was founded in 1999 by Tracy and Steve Garton. What began as a small rescue effort has grown into a full-fledged non-profit organization that now provides a loving home to dozens of animals, including donkeys, mules, and even zebra hybrids.

The sanctuary’s mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for neglected or abandoned animals. It runs entirely on public donations and adoption programs, which help cover the costs of food, shelter, and veterinary care.

Over the years, the sanctuary has gained recognition for its compassionate work and dedication to animal welfare. The new world records achieved by Derrick and Bambou have brought much-deserved attention to this humble sanctuary, inspiring more people to visit and support their cause.

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The Joy of Breaking Records

The staff at Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary expressed immense joy after receiving confirmation from Guinness World Records. “Seeing our donkeys in the record books is absolutely fantastic,” they said. “We’re proud of Derrick and Bambou and thankful to everyone who supports our mission.”

They hope that the international attention from these world records will encourage more visitors to the sanctuary and raise awareness about donkey welfare. Each visitor’s contribution whether through donations, adoptions, or simply spreading the word helps ensure that rescued animals continue to live happily and safely.

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Promoting Animal Welfare Through Awareness

The story of Derrick and Bambou is more than just about setting records it highlights the importance of caring for animals and supporting sanctuaries that provide them a second chance at life. Many donkeys at the sanctuary come from backgrounds of neglect or hardship, and thanks to organizations like Radcliffe, they now live peacefully in open fields, surrounded by love and care.

By celebrating the achievements of these two British donkeys, the world is also celebrating kindness, compassion, and the importance of protecting animals in need.

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Conclusion

From Lincolnshire to the pages of Guinness World Records 2026, Derrick and Bambou have captured global attention and hearts everywhere. Their record-breaking traits the tallest donkey and the longest ears not only amaze animal lovers but also shed light on the wonderful work being done by the Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary.

As more visitors come to see these extraordinary donkeys, the sanctuary’s message grows louder: every animal deserves love, care, and respect.