The Legend of the Jerusalem Donkey

Every animal on our farm has a story. Some are dramatic, some are hilarious, and some involve an inexplicable obsession with stealing garden gloves. But none quite match the ancient, mythical prestige of one particularly fuzzy-eared resident: Fernando, our rescue donkey and certified drama king.

Fernando the Noble, in all his suspicious glory. Kitty lurking in the background, making sure he doesn’t do anything embarrassing. (He will.)

Now, Fernando may not know it, but he’s what’s known as a Jerusalem donkey—a type of donkey marked with a distinct cross-shaped stripe across its back and shoulders. According to an old legend (or fable, or poetic donkey origin story, depending on who you ask), this cross is more than just a cool pattern—it’s a holy mark.

The story goes something like this:

On the very first Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem not on a majestic warhorse, but on a humble donkey. That donkey, grateful and honored to carry the Son of God, stood by faithfully during the events of Holy Week, even witnessing the crucifixion from afar. In recognition of the donkey’s loyalty and humility, the cross-shaped mark was bestowed upon its kind—a permanent sign of its place in the Easter story.

Beautiful, right?

Now, whether this legend is gospel truth or just a sweet barnyard bedtime story told by overly sentimental shepherds, it’s definitely stuck around. And that’s where Fernando comes in.

Fernando is technically a Jerusalem donkey. He’s got the signature cross on his back, long-lashed eyes full of mystery, and a soulful bray that says, “Feed me snacks or I’ll cry about it for three hours.”

This is the cross that gives the Jerusalem donkey its name. Fernando wears his like a badge of honor—right next to his badge for "'Most Dramatic Reaction to an Empty Feed Bucket."

But humble? Devoted? Willing to carry anyone into town? That’s where this story takes a sharp turn into “inspired by true events.”

Fernando would have carried Jesus… if Jesus had a pocket full of peppermints and agreed to maintain a respectful three-foot distance at all times.

Smile like you just got brushed and someone opened the peppermint drawer.

He might have followed him into Jerusalem… but only if there was a carrot trail laid out precisely every 18 inches, no sudden movements were made, and someone brushed his shoulders first. Because self-care is important, even for legendary donkeys.

He definitely would’ve cried out in mourning… but more likely because someone closed the tack room door and locked away the banana stash.

Despite his diva tendencies, Fernando does live up to his sacred legacy in some ways. He’s learning—slowly—to trust the humans who care for him. He keeps his best friend Bugsy company like a true sidekick. And when he stands quietly in the sun, that cross on his back glows just enough to make you wonder if there might be a bit of truth to the legend after all.

So this Easter, we’re celebrating the spirit of the season—with hay, extra ear scratches, and the reluctant majesty of our very own Jerusalem donkey, Fernando the Noble (aka: Sir WannaBe Touched But Not Really).

Because every donkey has its day… especially the ones with sacred stripes and a fondness for bananas.

Fernando the Jerusalem donkey: living proof that legends come in fuzzy, snack-demanding packages.