A rescued donkey has amazed handlers after instantly recognising a sanctuary worker after they were reunited on a farm for the first time in more than a decade.

The former worker, named as Isaac, called out 'Chi, Chi, Chi, Chico' just as he used to when he looked after the donkey 12 years ago at a sanctuary in northern Israel.

Moments later, Chico emerged from a herd of 190 of the animals and started nuzzling Isaac's face and resting his head gently on his one-time handler's shoulder.

A rescued donkey called Chico has amazed handlers after instantly recognising a sanctuary worker after they were reunited on a farm for the first time in more than a decade. The former handler, Isaac, is pictured with Chico after their reunion

At one point, he pulled his lips back over his teeth to reveal a huge 'grin'.

The remarkable scene unfolded at a sanctuary run by British charity Safe Haven, caring for about 200 unwanted and abused donkeys of all ages.

As the reunion was happening, Isaac explained that he had reared Chico after the animal arrived at the sanctuary as a foal. As Isaac put it: 'I spoiled him every day'.

It was more than twelve years since the donkey and the handler had last seen each other and while they may both have changed over the years, Chico's memories appeared to be fresh.

It's Chico time: The former worker, named as Isaac, called out 'Chi, Chi, Chi, Chico' just as he used to when he looked after the donkey 12 years ago at a sanctuary in northern Israel. Isaac and Chico are pictured together in 2006 - the year they last saw each other

The charity's Chief Executive, Tim Wass MBE, who witnessed the reunion, described it as spine-tingling and heart-melting.

'Witnessing the moment when a donkey remembers a beloved human handler is just incredible,' he said.

Mr Wass invited Isaac back the following day and filmed him with Chico. Exactly the same thing happened.

He has now offered Isaac a part-time job at the sanctuary and, to everyone's delight – not least Chico's – Isaac has agreed to come back.