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Projects and development

The Donkey Sanctuary has an active projects department that facilitates and carries out non-invasive research to improve the health and welfare of donkeys and mules worldwide. We aim to improve health and welfare of donkeys and mules by increasing the knowledgebase of the species in sickness and health.

The Donkey Sanctuary funds collaborators around the world to carry out non-invasive research and also has a team of dedicated scientists and veterinarians carrying out 'in house' research. A very important part of our work is the publication of these studies and as such ensure all findings are published in peer-reviewed journals or presented at relevant conferences.

All projects are coordinated by a dedicated projects team who carry out their own research and co-ordinate the work of collaborating scientists. The nature of research projects may be basic science, applied science, application of information technology or the advancement of education of donkey and mule health and welfare.

Research is only useful to the donkey and mule populations worldwide if the results are practically applied. As part of the projects department’s remit we are committed to implementing change within The Donkey Sanctuary based upon sound scientific findings and are pleased to advise others on the implications of our research.

If you are interested in our research projects or want to know more, please contact us.

Donkey feet are definitely different!

By Faith Burden - Posted on 7th June 2011
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Colin Goldsworthy trimming hooves

In the projects department we are celebrating this week as we have seen the results of many years of work being published in the Equine Veterinary Journal, an international publication aimed specifically at equine vets.

Opening of new animal welfare education centre

By Liz Hazell-Smith - Posted on 3rd June 2011
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JMICAWE

Last month an exciting new Centre for Animal Welfare Education was officially opened at the University of Edinburgh’s, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies. The Donkey Sanctuary and the Royal (Dick) Vet School have collaborated on several animal welfare research projects in the past and we have ongoing projects at the moment as well.

Safe spring grazing for donkeys and mules

By Faith Burden - Posted on 14th April 2011
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Strip grazing to regulate grass intake

The recent sunny weather has been very welcome after a particularly cold winter. Here at the Sanctuary some of our animals are enjoying the opportunity to stretch their legs and have a bite of sweet grass. I have really enjoyed watching the first spring flowers appear, the foals that are frolicking in their paddocks and the oldies sunbathing quietly in their favourite spots.

Pain assessment and management in donkeys

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The donkey is often thought of as a stoic, hardy animal which rarely shows signs of pain as a horse or pony would. Pain management and assessment is particularly difficult in donkeys due to their stoic nature and physiological and metabolic differences when compared to other equids with research in this area being limited.

Dental disease in donkeys

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Dental disease and abnormalities are common in donkeys, particularly in elderly animals. This research project aims to establish the rates of dental disease and abnormalities in the UK and overseas. We also hope to assess why these problems arise and how best to treat them.