Donkey Shot, Baby Orphaned

For the first time since he was rescued three days ago, little J.B. is playing outside.

The baby donkey was just hours old when investigators say his mother was shot and killed by a 17 year old from Cantonment.

"He's wanting to be a baby," says Lindley Barden, who is acting as J.B.'s foster mom. "He'll sleep with his head right beside me."

Barden bottle feeds the donkey every hour and has set up a pallet in the hallway of her home where they both sleep.

Right now, J.B's prognosis is good, but he's not out of the woods. The veterinarian treating the animal says the baby donkey never received milk from his mother, and as a result he's lacking a vital colostrum containing important antibodies.

The vet used an IV needle to administer an artificial serum, but it will take up to seven days to know for sure whether the animals immune system is strong enough to survive.

The Panhandle Equine Rescue is paying to care for J.B., including all of the medical bills.

Diane Lowery, president of the organization, says they are always looking for financial help, and while they may already have a permenant home for J.B., they need "foster parents" for other animals.

The Escambia County Sheriff's office says an arrest in the case could happen as early as tonight.