Torsten Islei and his partner Chris operate an animal rescue, or as they colorfully put it in the video, a “menagerie of rejects.” One of those “rejects” created an unlikely but very special bond with the couple: a donkey named Darragh.

After being shunned by his mother, Darragh came to rely on his human parents for everything – including midnight bottle feedings at the behest of more than a few tantrums. But it certainly all looks worth it for the incredible social interactions on display.

“We made sure that he spends a fair amount of time with the herd,” Torsten says, “So he doesn’t forget that he is actually a donkey.”