'Smiling' donkey happy to be rescued from floods in Ireland

This donkey looked happy to be rescued after getting stranded in flood water in Ireland.

He wandered into the rising floodwaters after strong winds blew down his shed and the gate of his paddock in Killorglin, Ireland.

Animal Heaven Animal Rescue (AMAR) put out a message on their Facebook page asking for help to rescue the donkey after its owner contacted the charity.

"Code red. Today's emergency. Please help me. There is a donkey stranded in deep flooding in Killorglin. I need a boat and men to help. I have ropes etc. Please get me help," the charity wrote.

It was touch and go whether they could be able to get the donkey to shore Credit: Animal Heaven Animal Rescue/Facebook

It looked touch and go whether they'd be able to get the animal back on to dry land but local rowing club coach Mike Fleming came to the rescue with a boat.

The charity has now named the donkey Mike in honour of his rescuer.

Finally on his way to the shoreline Credit: Animal Heaven Animal Rescue/Facebook

Mike will recover at Amar before returning to his relieved owner.

Amar said: "We've named him Mike. There could be no other name.

"He is now dried with towels, eating a hot mash, all cozy and warm and our vet has seen him and started him on antibiotics to prevent pneumonia.

"He has a small bit of fluid in one lung but our vet said he will recover. All he needs is loads of tlc.

"We loved every moment saving Mike and I think I speak for all of us, he was so worth the danger just to see his little face on dry land."

The donkey seems very happy with the rescue. Credit: Animal Heaven Animal Rescue/Facebook