Friendship blossoms for Ivor and Abigail

Now staff hope that the pair, Ivor and Abigail, will be suitable to go on and find a new forever home together on our Rehoming scheme.

Ivor, a skewbald-coloured donkey, was relinquished with his bonded companion Geronimo into our care after their owner could no longer look after them. Sadly, Geronimo developed severe colic, a gastrointestinal condition, which he was unable to recover from and was put to sleep on veterinary advice.

Abigail arrived at our sanctuary as a single donkey. The eight-year-old grey mare had lost her close donkey companion in 2023, but as her Guardian owners were unable to rehome another companion to join Abigail in their home, she was brought back to our Sidmouth sanctuary in the hope a new friend could be found.

To ensure biosecurity, donkeys coming into the sanctuary are required to spend some time in the New Arrivals Unit to prevent the potential spread of any diseases into the resident herd. Donkeys must stay in New Arrivals for a minimum of six weeks, though some do end up staying a lot longer, depending on their needs and their health.

It was during Abigail’s time here that staff noticed she was showing some interest in Ivor, who was in the stable next door. She would put her nose up to the fence where the 14-year-old gelding was living, a sign she wanted companionship.

Donkeys are not suited to living on their own, and will form strong bonds with other donkeys, often for life. Even among a herd, donkeys will usually pair with one or more donkey.

Sara Blair Salter. New Arrivals Manager, said: “We could see the two donkeys were starting to form a bond over the fence, so we made the decision to introduce them.

“Abigail took the lead and was keen to meet Ivor, who seemed a bit more reserved. But it wasn’t long before they were stood next to each other sharing some mutual grooming, a clear sign they were starting to form a friendship, which was great for the team to see.”

After just a couple of days, the two donkeys were inseparable and with just a small period of training, it is hoped they will be ready for rehoming.