A pair of retired adoption donkeys who spent many years supporting people in the local community in Ivybridge through our Donkey Assisted Activities programme have now joined the herd at our Sidmouth sanctuary.
Pooh and Eeyore, both 22, joined The Donkey Sanctuary Ivybridge in 2007. They were big characters at the centre and were popular with grooms and visitors alike, as well as those who adopted them.
As donkeys get older, they often have different needs to their younger donkey friends. The space at our Ivybridge sanctuary only allows for one herd of donkeys, which makes it difficult to facilitate individual requirements of some donkeys.
When Pooh and Eeyore started to need extra care, our teams of experts (including vets and grooms) recommended a change in environment. The move to our Sidmouth sanctuary will allow them to live out the rest of their lives with all the care and attention they need.
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After making the journey from Ivybridge to Sidmouth, the bonded pair spent some time in our New Arrivals Unit, which allowed us to thoroughly assess their needs and identify the best home for them to move to. Following this, the boys spent a couple of weeks in our Reception Area at Slade House Farm, before being slowly introduced to their new herd at Shelter 1.
Pooh and Eeyore have settled in well and have been exploring their new surroundings. They can now enjoy a happy retirement receiving all the care and attention they need. If you would like to visit Pooh and Eeyore, be sure to pop by Shelter 1 at our Sidmouth sanctuary, which is also home to adoption donkeys Cocoa, Drizzle and Ruby. You can also keep up to date with them via our live webcams.
Taking up the roles of adoption donkeys at Ivybridge are Rickon and Tornado.
Rickon, eight, is easy to spot among the herd with his stunning white coat, although grooms are kept busy keeping him clean as he is such an adventurous donkey.
Tornado on the other hand is a very gentle donkey. The dark brown seven year old is quite nervous but loves meeting visitors and having a cuddle with our grooms.
The two donkeys will also continue to support people in our Donkey-Assisted Activities at the sanctuary near Plymouth.
