Donkey Sanctuary

A tractor stolen from the Sidmouth headquarters of the international animal welfare charity, The Donkey Sanctuary, has been recovered by the Garda in Ireland. The John Deere 6220 Loader Tractor was stolen from the charity’s Trow Farm in Sidmouth in November 2017. The vehicle has since been professionally cloned into a 6320 model to try and disguise its identity. The Donkey Sanctuary relies on its tractors to transport the donkeys’ feed and bedding, particularly over the harsh winter months. The charity is currently in negotiation with its insurance company to buy back the tractor, for...

A colony of honey bees that took up residence at The Donkey Sanctuary’s headquarters have been saved thanks to a quick thinking member of staff. Jenifer Tucker, website manager at The Donkey Sanctuary who is also a beekeeper heard that the bees had chosen Slade House, the charity’s main offices, as their new home and knew that as a working environment, they would not be able to stay there. As the bees had chosen the roof space in Slade House, it would have been virtually impossible to remove them without the intervention of a pest controller. At this time of year, honey bees are likely to...

Hundreds of motoring enthusiasts and families alike enjoyed The Donkey Sanctuary’s annual car show on Sunday despite torrential downpours. An eclectic mix of motors included impressive line ups of Subaru Imprezas, Minis, Ford RS’s, Volkswagen campers plus a whole host of classic cars. Visitors took the rain in their stride and sought the shelter of the gazebos to listen to the live music. Youngsters revelled in getting behind the wheel of the go-karts while a host of side-shows kept everyone entertained. Organisers presented some fun exhibitor awards in a variety of categories with the...

Get into gear for The Donkey Sanctuary’s Car Show on Sunday 1 July. From Astons to Austins and Minis to Mercs, the show is a must for all motoring enthusiasts. Held at the charity’s main headquarters in Sidmouth, the show promises an eclectic mixture of motors from all eras, bringing together a relaxed day of spectacular automobiles, car conversation and live music for families and petrolheads alike. Alongside the displays of fine vehicles will be a selection of motoring trade stands offering an array of automotive goodies and with last year’s show attracting around 600 displayed cars it...

‘Donkeys in the Park’ is the child-friendly family festival not to be missed this summer. Held on Saturday 16 June at The Donkey Sanctuary’s beautiful site overlooking the sea near Sidmouth, it’s the chance to spend the day with family and friends and immerse yourself in a vibrant scene of live music, theatrical performances, family films and feel-good activities. A cracking line-up of local musicians and bands provide the soundtrack for the day, ranging from acoustic vibes to sweet summer sounds with some banging beats thrown in for good measure. To kick-back and relax, visitors can...

Staff at the international animal welfare charity, The Donkey Sanctuary, have taken on the task of hand-rearing a new born foal after it was rejected by its mother, who herself had been rescued by the charity.

Leyla Anstee, farm manager, The Donkey Sanctuary’s Brookfield Farm, says: “The mare and foal were not together or showing any signs of the bonding process which would normally take place. We carefully tried to encourage her to accept him, but this young and inexperienced mum simply did not want to let her foal suckle - it was clear that she had rejected him.”

The mare...

Get tails wagging at The Donkey Sanctuary’s Spring Family Fun Day and Dog Show

Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary’s Spring Family Fun Day and Dog Show on Sunday 27 May promises to have something for everyone with a whole host of activities including, bouncy castles, go-karts, face-painting and live music from Vine and Dandy.

The highlight for many will be the dog show which features 15 different classes from perfect puppy to the prettiest pooch and child’s best friend to the waggiest tail. Entry costs just £1 for each class with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.

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Emily is autistic and has very limited vision and hearing, making communication difficult for her, but The Donkey Sanctuary and a miniature donkey named Juniper have helped her make a connection into the world around her. 23-year-old Emily from Exeter often struggles to control her emotions and can at times become very distressed and confused, but since coming to The Donkey Sanctuary headquarters in Sidmouth, Emily has learnt that donkeys are more than just adorably long ears, soft furry noses and charming characters; donkeys matter and can help with the development of critical life skills...