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Donkey Retires From Ballet

Monika ends successful run with Russia's Mariinsky ballet

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 24, 2008 5:54 PM CDT

(Newser) – A veteran Russian artiste is headed for retirement today: Monika, a 21-year-old female donkey. She has performed for 19 years as the trusty steed of Sancho Panza in the Mariinsky ballet's production of Don Quixote. "She loves to perform and she loves applause," said Tatyana Solomatina of the St. Petersburg zoo, where Monika lives between performances.

"She knew the exact time to appear in the ballet, even without someone accompanying her," Solomatina added. The troupe held a goodbye party for Monika, dancing with her and giving her gifts including carrot cake. Monika's role will be assumed by Alina, a younger, female donkey, Reuters reports.

A ballet dancer performs during the Laureus World Sports Awards at the Mariinsky Concert Hall on February 18, 2008 in St.Petersburg, Russia. ((Ian Walton/Getty Images))

A donkey is seen in this undated file photo. (Wikimedia Commons)

A ballet dancer performs during the Laureus World Sports Awards at the Mariinsky Concert Hall on February 18, 2008 in St.Petersburg, Russia. ((Ian Walton/Getty Images))

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Donkey Retires From Ballet

Monika ends successful run with Russia's Mariinsky ballet

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At least she died happy in animal sanctuary

Parasailing Donkey's Owner Won't Face Charges

Russian officials say animal is OK

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Rosie drinks Guinness twice a day

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Officials suspect terrorist attack

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Donkey Retires From Ballet

Monika ends successful run with Russia's Mariinsky ballet

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Russia • ballet • St. Petersburg • animal • donkey • Mariinsky ballet • Don Quixote • St. Petersburg zoo

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Parasailing Donkey Dies of Heart Attack

At least she died happy in animal sanctuary

Parasailing Donkey's Owner Won't Face Charges

Russian officials say animal is OK

Flying Donkey Sparks Animal Cruelty Probe

Terrified animal goes parasailing, scaring Russian beachgoers

Elderly Donkey Thrives on Beer Diet

Rosie drinks Guinness twice a day

25 Killed in Russian Train Crash

Officials suspect terrorist attack

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?