Drivers travelling between Port Douglas and Mossman now have a new reason to pull over at Roharn Pastoral in Killaloe: a brand-new baby donkey has arrived.

Locals and visitors frequently stop on the left-hand side of the road to greet the property's friendly herd, but last Thursday, 15 October, brought an extra dose of excitement when resident donkey Jill gave birth to a healthy filly named Jazzy.

Early this year, her parents, Jill and Jack, were rescued from a Dimbulah property where more than 30 neglected donkeys were running feral. 

While Jazzy is an undeniable head-turner, she already has a big job ahead of her. 

Roharn Pastoral uses donkeys as essential herd protectors, relying on them to guard its cattle against dingo and wild dog attacks.

The strategy has been a total success. Since bringing donkeys into the paddock to run alongside the herd, the property has recorded zero calf losses.

Young Jazzy will eventually join seasoned guardians Josephine, Jennifer, and Jolene on watch.