A fond farewell to retired adoption donkey Alfie

Alfie developed asthma in October 2022. Although he managed well with medication, his condition meant he was vulnerable to developing other respiratory illnesses.

Over the Christmas period, he sadly contracted pneumonia. His condition continued to deteriorate despite intensive veterinary treatment and care from our teams.

We carefully considered the kindest course of action for Alfie, ultimately making the heartbreaking decision to put him to sleep.

He did not suffer and was put to sleep gently, surrounded by his best friend Benjy, the team who have cared for him for many years and all his donkey friends.

A tribute to Alfie

Leading the tributes to Alfie was Lorraine Nelson, Centre Manager at The Donkey Sanctuary Belfast:

“Alfie was a loyal and reliable member of the herd. He enriched hundreds of lives over the 12 years he called The Donkey Sanctuary Belfast his home.

“His striking, dark coat and impressive stature made him stand out in the herd. He was tall and strong but above all, a gentle natured donkey, a quality loved by everyone who met him.

“Alfie was a gentle soul whose devotion and loyalty to his best friend Benjy was something most can only hope to experience. He would forego joining the rest of the herd in the field if Benjy preferred to remain in the yard with his head buried in a feeder of straw. The struggle between two of his favourite things was evident as we watched him alternating between munching along with Benjy and looking longingly towards the field.

“He was a boy who loved his food and was usually one of the first donkeys to greet staff in the morning in anticipation of breakfast. We will all miss the sound of his unique braying and will be giving Benjy all the love, care and support he needs over the coming days and weeks.”

Life at the sanctuary

Originally from County Galway in Ireland, Alfie came into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary Belfast in 2010 and was the 10,873rd donkey to be given a safe and caring home for life, all thanks to your help. He was bred at his previous home and was relinquished into our care along with eight other donkeys after his owner could not properly care for them all.

Alfie soon settled into his new surroundings where he became devoted to his role helping vulnerable children and adults on our Donkey Assisted Activity programmes. His loveable, laid-back character and calming nature made him perfect for this important work and a firm favourite with visitors and adopters alike. He even gave a warm welcome to HRH The Princess Royal at the Belfast sanctuary’s official open day in 2011.

Along with his best friend and bonded partner Benjy, Alfie was retired from the adoption scheme in Summer 2022. Thanks to your support, Alfie lived a happy and enriched life at The Donkey Sanctuary Belfast, where he enjoyed the best care possible and a loving, secure environment.

He will be dearly missed by all those who met him and so generously adopted him. We wish a sad but fond farewell to a much-loved member of the Belfast herd. Rest in peace Alfie.