Donkey bows out of Russian ballet

The Mariinsky Ballet of St Petersburg, formerly the Kirov, has said farewell to one of its longest-serving artistes - Monika, a 21-year-old female donkey.

The animal retired after 19 years' service carrying the character Sancho Panza around the famous stage in productions of the ballet Don Quixote.



At her retirement party, Monika danced a waltz with a ballerina and was given a carrot cake, pinafore and kerchief.

Her role will be taken over by another female donkey called Alina.