Remembering Benjy, our ‘little star’

On Thursday 27 April, our team noticed Benjy was a little off colour and not himself. Our vet came quickly to see him and began to treat him for colic. She decided that we should bring Benjy to our clinic where he could receive more intensive treatment to help him. Sadly, despite everyone's efforts, his condition did not improve and with veterinary advice, we felt it best to gently put him to sleep. 

Benjy was an integral part of the team here at Belfast for many years. He was deeply loved and cared for by us, along with all who knew and adopted him over the years. He will be sorely missed.

A tribute to Benjy 

Looking back over his long and happy life at The Donkey Sanctuary Belfast, Centre Manager Lorraine Nelson fondly remembers her time with Benjy:  

“He was the eldest of the Belfast herd but was as mischievous and playful as a donkey half his age.” 

“Benjy enjoyed the fame that being an adoption donkey brought with it. He was no stranger to photoshoots and ‘meeting his public’. Benjy thrived on the attention.” 

“But he was also a very sensitive soul, too. Benjy could tell when people were feeling sad and was observed staying close to and following them around the yard in an act of support. This responsiveness to human emotions was never more evident than when Benjy took part in our Donkey Assisted Activities Programmes, helping those children and adults who came into his company. He will be especially missed by those he helped and by his kind and generous adopters.”  

“Over the years, Benjy became close friends with Alfie, who sadly passed away in January this year. We were worried about how this would affect him, but he was always a resilient character and with the love of his grooms and visitors alike, we all helped him through the loss of his best friend.”  
 
“We will all miss his fluffy white legs, beautiful dappled face and his uncanny ability to sniff out the freshly opened ginger biscuits -his favourite treat. Rest in peace dear Benjy.”

Life at the sanctuary

Originally from County Galway, Benjy came into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary Belfast in 2010 along with eight other young donkeys after their owner could not care properly for them all.  
 
He soon established himself and earned a reputation for being very vocal, especially at mealtimes when he would often lead members of the herd to the feeders. He always made sure everyone got involved and nobody was left out. His grooms often referred to him as their ‘little star’.   

At the grand age of 24, Benjy's individual care needs required specific attention, which meant he needed a change of environment. He was retired from the adoption scheme along with his bonded partner Alfie and enjoyed his later years surrounded by the love of the Belfast herd and his grooms, all thanks to your generous support. He will be missed by everyone who met him.