A popular nature attraction and farm in Kidderminster is mourning the loss of one of its newborn donkey foals. 

Bodenham Arboretum announced the sad death of donkey Lana, who was born on November 26 to mum Luna, on social media on Tuesday, January 2. 

The organisation, which is known for its scenic woodlands and beautiful walking trails, said she had unexpectedly fallen ill on New Year's Eve. 

Vet Alister Field from Field Equine Vets was called out to help and diagnosed Lana with enterocolitis. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Foals Lana and Willow were born before Christmas Foals Lana and Willow were born before Christmas (Image: Tonya Brettle)

Farmer and owner of Bodenham Arboretum, James Binnian, aged 64, said: "We've had donkeys here on the farm for years and we always try to have a foal for Christmas for our nativity scene. 

"We were lucky enough to welcome two foals last year with the name Lana having a special meaning to the team as she was named after two of our fantastic Ukrainian staff members that we supported in 2022.

"Being a farmer, I noticed that Lana was never as strong as the other foal, but until New Year's Eve, she was doing really well. We called out the vet as soon as I noticed something was wrong but being New Year's Eve, we couldn't get hold of our usual vet. 

"Thankfully, my neighbour gave me the number for Alistair and despite usually working with competition horses, he did a fantastic job for Lana and we are so grateful that he came out so quickly to see her." 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Lana passed away at just five weeks old Lana passed away at just five weeks old (Image: Tonya Brettle)

Despite the best efforts of the veterinary team, the young foal showed no signs of improvement on New Year's Day and it was decided that the best course of action would be to euthanise her. 

Lana passed away on the morning of January 2 with her mum Luna now being moved into the company of Winnie and her foal Willow. 

Mr Binnian said: "It's always very sad to lose a foal and this hasn't been a very good start to the new year for us, but unfortunately foals are prone to illness. 

"It has been quite distressing seeing her mum Luna pacing and looking for her foal, but she is in good company with Winnie and Willow and has been doing really well over the past few days as she adjusts.

"It is a really sad situation as the visitors loved her but we did all we could to save her."

Since Bodenham Arboretum shared the sad news, the team have been inundated with more than a hundred messages of sympathy and tributes for Lana as well as praise for Field Equine Vets. 

One resident said: "This is just so very sad. She was so beautiful."

Another resident added: "So very sorry to hear this. Sending love to all who have cared for her." 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Foal Willow is doing really well with visitors able to come and see her Foal Willow is doing really well with visitors able to come and see her (Image: Tonya Brettle)

The organisation said the second foal, Willow, is still doing well and has really settled into living on the farm. 

Mr Binnian said: "Willow is doing great, she's running around the field and is a really strong foal.

"Being a female, we will keep her here at the Arboretum farm and hopefully in a few years time, her own foal will be the star of our nativity."

Bodenham Arboretum is open all year round from 10am to 5pm excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day with visitors being able to see foal Willow for themselves. 

More details about opening hours and tickets can be found by visiting the website at www.bodenhamarboretum.co.uk