Man Sings Lullaby to Baby Donkey Cradled in His Arms in Heartwarming Video

A baby donkey was serenaded to sleep by a man cuddling the animal close to his chest in a charming video that has been melting hearts online.

Footage of the magical encounter was posted to Twitter by juliana_monty, an animal lover and fan of all things nature, who shared the clip alongside a touching message.

"Sometimes the best way to end the day is to sing a lullaby to a loving pet," she wrote. "In this case, a donkey from a sanctuary. There is no loneliness for those with an open heart.

In the clip, a man can be seen cradling the young animal in his arms while he sings a modified version of the Creedence Clearwater Revival song "Cotton Fields."

The baby donkey, or foal to give the animal its technical name, appears blissfully peaceful throughout the man's performance as he gently sways the animal from side to side.

With the sun fading fast behind them, the video makes for enchanting viewing and has proven to be a hit, racking up more than 297,000 views in a matter of hours.

The clip was originally posted to Instagram by MrDonkers, an account linked to Dean and Dawn Fagan, a couple who run a donkey sanctuary out of their 67-acre Ohio home.

According to their Instagram post, the donkey in the video is a foal by the name of Reilly.

The original version of the clip was posted back in September. This latest incarnation of the clip ended up going viral, in part, after it was retweeted by actor James Woods.

"There is a whole other world that so many of us are missing," he wrote alongside the new version of the video. "How sweet is this?"

Woods later returned to praise the footage further, reflecting on the video's enchanting background of greenery, fellow donkeys and a nearby barn bathed in fading sunlight.

The Videodrome actor wasn't the only one bewitched by what he saw.

For some, the clip was a source of hope.

Karmageddon67 retweeted the clip, describing it as proof "there's a few good people left on this planet." Msbmoran also shared the footage, reflecting that "the strongest men are kind and loving men," while Trimoving reflected on how "kindness inspires kindness."

Others looked at the video on simpler terms.

Mlhensley called it a "little dose of cuteness" while pineconekeys spoke for many when he declared: "animals are amazing." ChristineWesl1, meanwhile, said: "Oh my heart is melting!! To see that sweet baby being loved is the best way to start a Sunday!!!"

Newsweek has contacted the Fagans for comment.

According to the experts at DonkeyWise, there are benefits to spending time with donkeys in a specially tailored therapeutic setting.

"For children with disabilities, riding therapy donkeys provides a unique opportunity to improve their strength and coordination as well as boosting their confidence and self-esteem," they said.

Much of this is down to the fact donkeys are "naturally calm animals."

"Their slow and steady presence gives a feeling of security and comfort to the poorly, the elderly and those feeling vulnerable or suffering from emotional difficulties," DonkeyWise explains.

"Touching, grooming and cuddling donkeys is a great social facilitator, allowing people to relax and feel a sense of nurturing and connection."

This heartwarming viral video has arrived during the same week in which a duckling sent animal lovers into meltdown after being filmed tucked up in bed.

Another more recent viral animal video centered on a missing puppy who was eventually found snuggled up inside the lining of a couch.