Day 12 - Meet Oscar

Oscar is a rascal who likes nothing more than having fun and playing tricks, particularly if it involves any of the grooms. He’s no stranger to stealing hats and scarves and often pokes his nose into people’s pockets.

At the age of 20, Oscar has grown wiser than ever, but while he might be classed as an older donkey, the life expectancy for donkeys in the UK can range anywhere from over 30 to 40 years old with the right level of care.

It’s his dark brown glossy coat and those mischievous eyes that make this character stand out from the crowd. He’s most likely to be found playing games and plotting escapades with his best friend Moses in tow. They say opposites attract and this couldn’t be more apt, since gentle Moses is forever trying to keep Oscar away from trouble. The pair of them are adorable together.

Oscar was born and raised in the New Forest but when his owner became too poorly to care for him, he was given a home at The Donkey Sanctuary Birmingham. Oscar has been trained to work with children with additional needs and the donkey assisted therapy work carried out by Oscar and his friends provide huge benefits to the participants, from enhancing confidence, to improving their major and minor motor skills.

Whenever the mounting block is in the arena, steps used by children to get on and off the donkeys, Oscar can be found with his front hooves perched on the top step, admiring the view. He loves being higher than all his donkey friends and it gives him the opportunity to see what’s going on outside of the arena, no doubt allowing him to plot his next escapade and bouts of cheekiness!

As you can see, he loves picking objects up with his teeth, although one of his more memorable antics has to be when he stole a jacket from the staff washing line! Suffice to say he really does have a remarkable sense of humour.

Already adopted Oscar? Why not share this with your friends and family to show them just how lucky you are?