Sharon and Mango thriving despite dental issues

Sharon and Mango, who now reside at one of our Devon farms, were among dozens of donkeys discovered living in distressing conditions at a site in Carmarthenshire at the start of 2021.

Around them, dozens of donkeys were suffering from a wealth of welfare concerns – heavy lice infestation, mud-stained and bedraggled coats, and long hooves all impacted their miserable existence. 

Despite finding safety at our Sidmouth sanctuary, aided by the caring hands of our New Arrivals Unit team, many of the donkeys rescued on that fateful day still require support for their historical health issues. 

Sadly, Sharon is no exception. 

To the naked eye, she is now unrecognisable from the pitiful donkey that was first unloaded from the transporter vehicle that drove her to a new home in Devon.

But more than four years on, Sharon still requires regular dental attention due to her history of poor oral hygiene. 

In the years since her rescue, she has received treatment for diastemas – gaps between two teeth which can trap food and, if left untreated, can cause gum disease, ulcerations and loosening of the teeth. 

At first, Sharon required pain relief for the condition, but as the years have passed, she has improved and thankfully can receive treatment without additional medication. This slow and steady progress is helping Sharon walk the road to a happier and fulfilling life. 

Alongside Sharon is her companion Mango. The long-eared friends were both pregnant when they arrived in Devon, with Sharon and Mango soon giving birth to Peanut and Maverick respectively. 

Farm Supervisor Josie Blaber recalls: “As soon as they arrived at our sanctuary in Sidmouth, Sharon and Mango were transported to our specialist donkey hospital as it provided a safer environment for them to give birth.

“A few months later, Maverick and Peanut were welcomed to the world. They then made the journey to our Sidmouth sanctuary, where they were given the runout of our biggest barn.

“It was lovely to see the young foals running through the straw bed and making the most of their spacious environment. 

“They never would have experienced such freedom if they had been born in the squalid conditions their mothers had previously experienced.” 

Maverick and Peanut made the permanent move to our Sidmouth sanctuary in July 2024, while Sharon and Mango remained at our New Arrivals Unit. 

Josie says: “While Maverick and Peanut may be winning hearts in Sidmouth, we are always reminded of their time with their mums as they look so much like them. 

“The boys’ departure gave us the opportunity to reunite Sharon and Mango with the same donkeys they lived with in Carmarthenshire before their rescue. 

“This time though, they joined a happy, thriving herd instead of the sorrowful group of donkeys they knew originally. 

“Mango and Sharon settled into their new herd well, but prefer each other’s company. While they do mingle with the group, we often see them side by side grazing and exploring their surroundings.

“Hopefully Sharon will continue to improve and lead a happy, healthy life with The Donkey Sanctuary, alongside her best friend.”