A beloved mule who was rescued from slaughter is celebrating his 30th birthday.
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 horse sale but Redwings Horse Sanctuary in Fritton was able to offer them a new home instead.
Sadly, Doris died after arriving at the sanctuary in 1987 when it was discovered she had an ulcer in her stomach.
After the death of his mother, Muffin become friends with another youngster, a pony called April, and thanks to her company and care from sanctuary staff, he overcame his loss and grew up to become one of the charity's most treasured residents and its longest-serving adoption star.
Head of fundraising at the sanctuary Gemma Walpole, said Muffin was a legend.
She added: 'This charming chap has been delighting his supporters, as well as raising the flag for mule-kind, for decades and we think he thoroughly deserves a big celebration for his milestone birthday.
'We know of families and supporters who have sponsored and visited him for generations, and we hope as many of them as possible will be able to come along to his party and share this special occasion with us.'
During his lifetime Muffin has seen seven prime ministers, eight Olympic Games and 11 England football managers.
Muffin is the offspring of a male donkey and a female pony, little mule a mule's life expectancy is about 40 years.
He now happily lives amongst Redwings Caldecott's large donkey and mule herd and can often be spotted getting up to mischief with his fellow mule pals Nogs and Guy.
To mark his birthday, Redwings is inviting people to come along and share their memories of muffin at a special party at their Caldecott sanctuary on Sunday, April 16 from 11.30am.
On the big day, visitors will have the chance to enjoy cuddles with Muffin, join in a quiz trail and party games, and watch him tuck into his very own birthday cake.
Supporters can sponsor Muffin for £12.50 a year, with the funds going directly towards his daily care and that of his friends.
Anyone who sponsors one of Redwings' 24 'adoption stars' can visit them for free at the centre where they live and receive updates on their four-legged friend's progress.
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