According to press reports, Derek is close to becoming the largest donkey in the world, reaching a height of just over 170 centimetres. 

Derek's age did not exceed 5 years, which means that his height could grow within two years, thus seizing the title of the largest in the world, from the donkey Romulus in the American state of Texas, which reaches a height of 172 centimeters.

The owner of the Radcliffe Reserve in Britain, Tracy Garton, said: "The donkey was born huge. Not yet fully developed, donkeys stop growing when they are 7 years old. So he still has a lot of time to go".

"despite his size, Derek is a nice giant", Tracy added, saying: "Derek is very friendly.

Derek's origin goes back to a distinctive type of donkey, known as the Jackstock Mammoth".