Rescued Donkey Hope Breaks World Record with 15-Inch Ears

Hope the donkey's ears are so long that from a distance, they look like wings stretching from her head.

At 15 inches each, those remarkable ears just earned Hope the Guinness World Record for longest ears on any living donkey. But for her owner Hannah Frost of Byron, Georgia, the record means something far bigger than a quirky achievement.

Hope arrived at Frost's farm in September as a rescue case. The mammoth donkey was emaciated, her ribs visible through matted fur. Her hooves were infected, her teeth overgrown, and she suffered from untreated Cushing's disease that left her weak and lethargic.

"She just wasn't in good enough spirits to even be interested in eating," Frost said. The first few weeks were a struggle just to keep Hope alive.

Frost worked closely with Hope's vet to heal the infections and manage her hormonal disorder with medication. Slowly, the donkey began to gain weight and strength. Within months, Hope transformed into a healthy, happy animal roaming the farm with Frost's other rescues.

About a month into Hope's recovery, Frost noticed something special. Hope's ears towered over those of her other mammoth donkey, and even the vet remarked on their extraordinary size. That's when Frost saw an opportunity to share Hope's journey with the world.

The process of proving the record took four submissions to Guinness World Records. Frost gathered vet measurements, health statements, videos, and witness testimonies. Each time Guinness asked for more evidence, Frost persisted.

Finally in December 2025, the confirmation came. Hope's 15-inch ears officially broke the previous record held by a donkey in the United Kingdom.

Sunny's Take

What makes Hope's story shine isn't just her record-breaking ears. It's the transformation from an animal who could barely lift her head to eat, to a world record holder meeting media and inspiring people across the country.

Frost says Hope is now "a whole different donkey," spending her days grazing peacefully in the sun instead of being used for breeding. The plaque celebrating her achievement hangs proudly in Frost's home, a reminder that every rescue has potential for something extraordinary.

"She's a rescue donkey that's now a Guinness World Record holder," Frost said. "That doesn't happen every day."

Hope's story proves that sometimes the most remarkable achievements come from giving someone a second chance.