'Flying donkey' in Russia dies of heart attack

Melbourne, Feb 6 (ANI): A donkey that rose to fame last year after being forced to parasail above the beaches of southern Russia has died of a heart attack.

A veterinarian said the heart attack was likely the result of stress brought on by the experience, which sparked an international outcry from animal-rights activists, reports the Herald Sun.

The female donkey named Anapka made headlines worldwide and attracted the attention of local police after beachgoers in Russia's southern village of Golubitskaya were stunned when they saw a braying, apparently terrified donkey soaring in the blue skies over the Sea of Azov.

The donkey was attached to a parachute pulled by a speedboat and was in the skies as a result of an impromptu advertising campaign by several entrepreneurial Russians to attract beachgoers to indulge in the thrill of parasailing.

The donkey died last month at stables just outside Moscow, where she ended up after her heart-wrenching ordeal, her minders said. (ANI)