And it would be remiss of us not to welcome the day with a look back at a selection of Hartlepool and East Durham donkey scenes from the past.
The big day arrives on May 8 and it’s aim is to raise awareness of these beautiful animals.
They certainly have plenty of fans in Hartlepool and East Durham. So join us as we look at donkeys galore in 2007, 2009, 2018 and 2019.
1. Showtime in 2018
Hartlepool Show and Horticultural Festival at Rift House Rec but who are the people enjoying the donkey rides? Photo: Kevin Brady
2. Top times with Teddy
Seaton Hall Residential Home residents enjoyed a visit from Teddy the Donkey in 2019. Photo: Tim Richardson
3. Memories from Mayfield Park
Back to 2017 for this fun day scene at the Mayfield Park home of Hartlepool Rugby Football Club. Photo: Kevin Brady
4. Toffee makes an impression
St Luke's Church had a special visitor for its Palm Sunday service in 2009. Here is Toffee the donkey with Peter Wayman from Tweddle Animal Farm. Photo: LH