A quick-thinking groom helped a donkey deliver her foal safely, after one of its front legs became stuck during birth, at international animal welfare charity, The Donkey Sanctuary.
The mare, called Abbie, went into labour on Tuesday evening (8 June), and when groom, Lisa Coles went to check on her, she quickly realised that one of the foal’s front legs was stuck. Lisa could see that Abbie was struggling and knew that she had to do something fast to help her.
Lisa gently held the foal and was able to free its leg, helping Abbie to deliver her baby safely.
A group of seven donkeys comprising of one of the largest breeds, and one of the smallest, have been relinquished into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary in Devon.
Due to a change in their owner’s circumstances, the three large Poitou donkeys, and four Mediterranean Miniature donkeys were taken into the care of the international animal welfare charity and will now have a home for life at its sanctuary in Sidmouth.
Poitou donkeys measure an average of 14.2 hands high (142-152 cm). They are distinctive not just because of their size, but also from their long shaggy coats and...
The Donkey Sanctuary is celebrating 50 years since it was founded by its inspirational visionary: Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE.
The international animal welfare charity and award winning visitor attractioncelebrates its golden anniversary with a whole host of special events throughout 2019. The anniversary celebrations will be launched on 23 January, which would have been Dr Svendsen’s 89th birthday.
An awareness-raising highlight of 2019 will be presenting an artisan garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in May. The ‘Donkeys Matter’ garden will act as a focal point to...
The Donkey Sanctuary partnered with the Exmouth based charity Pete’s Dragons who support people who have been bereaved by suicide. Families who are dealing with grief, were invited to experience a donkey-facilitated life skills session at The Donkey Sanctuary’s international headquarters in Sidmouth. Pete’s Dragons is an Exmouth based charity that supports those bereaved by suicide. Families were welcomed to participate in a life skills session of the donkey-facilitated learning programme. The visit proved incredibly worthwhile, and was described as an ‘unforgettable experience’. The...
A week-old orphaned donkey foal has been given a forever home with The Donkey Sanctuary, after its mother died shortly after giving birth. The foal was relinquished into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary by its owner, who wanted to give it the best start in life after its mother tragically died after suffering complications during foaling. Sadly, despite veterinary care and the best efforts of the donkey’s owner, her condition did not improve and the kindest thing to do was to put her to sleep. The week-old male foal is receiving round the clock care by staff at the international animal...
** PLEASE NOTE - THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO STORMY WEATHER ***
An event for foodies and families alike that celebrates the local food and drink scene, The Donkey Sanctuary’s Family Food Fair on 13 October has something for everyone. Fantastic local chefs will be providing live cookery demonstrations throughout the day, giving visitors the chance to sample some mouth-watering delights. There will be an eclectic selection of delicious food and refreshments to choose from, including tasty treats from the Flaming Good Pizza Co, Good Game and The Posh Kebab Company. Making up...
Held at The Donkey Sanctuary’s beautiful site near Sidmouth, the Summer Fair on Sunday 12 August, is by far the sanctuary’s biggest event of the year. Promising a fun day out for the whole family, the Summer Fair features a packed programme of events including live music, trailer rides, Punch and Judy, archery, go-karting, traditional family games and bouncy castles. Plus, the chance to meet the resident donkeys! Delicious refreshments will be available throughout the day and when it’s time for some retail therapy, the shopping village will provide something for everyone from its craft and...
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.”
As part of International Donkey Week in May, visitors have the opportunity to visit and explore Paccombe Farm in Harcombe.
Set in delightful countryside just a short drive from the main Sidmouth sanctuary, Paccombe Farm is where The Donkey Sanctuary has its training centre located as well as home to some of the adorable donkeys cared for by the charity. There are plenty of activities planned for the day to keep everyone entertained including trailer rides, donkey grooming, various games in the barn and a chance to discover the beautiful Paccombe Valley by joining a guided walk....
The results of a shocking investigation by The Donkey Sanctuary reveals mass-scale suffering of donkeys caught up in global trading of their skins to sustain the demand for ejiao, a traditional Chinese medicine that relies on gelatin from the hides.
In the first comprehensive study of the trade, the charity has discovered that as many as 10 million donkeys are at risk and it now calls for an immediate halt to the trade until it can be proven to be sustainable and humane.
The Donkey Sanctuary’s ‘Under the Skin’ investigative report reveals that the trade has led to an...
