Latest news

Conservation is key to The Donkey Sanctuary’s work. A group of bee-lovers recently joined us to discover why bees are brilliant, how they help the environment, and why our donkeys need them.

A passion for donkey welfare shared between The Donkey Sanctuary’s founder, Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, and Dr Bojia Duguma has made a lasting impact on donkeys and mules in Ethiopia.

The Donkey Sanctuary recently took in a pair of rescue donkeys with grossly overgrown hooves called Stuart and Bob. When post-surgery complications led to the difficult decision to put Bob to sleep, Stuart needed help to start his life afresh.

The Donkey Sanctuary and Heifer International have signed an agreement aimed at improving the welfare of Mexican donkeys and mules working to produce the artisanal alcohol mezcal, while also maintaining income for their owners.

Each year, The Donkey Sanctuary marks International Donkey Day by holding a week-long event in celebration of these special animals. At ‘Donkey Week’ this year, we were joined by 290 donkey lovers from around the world.

Meet Twiggy, Brandy and Gem – three miniature donkeys with big personalities. After making it through a life-endangering trip to the UK from Canada, the trio are now well and truly part of The Donkey Sanctuary family.

A collaboration of seven animal welfare charities including The Donkey Sanctuary will deploy members of staff to the annual travelling community event tomorrow (6 June). With exhaustion a ‘big focus’, the team will work to keep welfare standards in check at Appleby.

In a single day, every donkey, mule, hinny and pony in our care in the UK and Ireland was accounted for thanks to a nationwide effort between staff, volunteers and Donkey Guardians.

The Donkey Sanctuary has opened its Artisan Garden with a pair of donkeys at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Travelling from their Guardian home at Mudchute Park and Farm on the Isle of Dogs, Skooby and Harley stood calmly, demonstrating ‘Why Donkeys Matter.’

Amid growing calls for the equid skin trade to halt in Nigeria, The Donkey Sanctuary spoke in Nigerian Parliament to support a Bill aimed at safeguarding the national herd.