Jessie Burchette

Salisbury Post

Sam the donkey is looking for a lot of new friends.

The miniature donkey was donated to Dan Nicholas Park last month.

Initially kept in an off-display area, he’s been moved to a public area near the deer barn.

“He loves attention,” said Bob Pendergrass, supervisor of the Nature and Learning Center.

“When somebody goes down there, he starts calling. He’s kind of a character,” said Pendergrass.

Sam is the first addition to the new Stanback Petting Barn that will soon be under construction.

The family of the late Julius W. “Catfish” Veach donated the donkey, who has developed a taste for candy canes and biscuits.

And he often says thank-you by offering a kiss.

Winter hours for the Nature Center are: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information on the animals at the Nature Center and Rowan Wildlife Adventures, visit the park Web site at dannicholas-park.org. The site features live webcams of the bears, wolves, eagles and other animals.