Adoption donkeys retire from scheme

Henry, Tiny Tim, Cisco and Shocks are leaving the scheme to enjoy some well-earned dust rolls after many years of bringing joy and friendship to their wonderful adopters.

Adoption donkeys may need to retire from the adoption scheme due to various reasons such as; age, changes to their health or care requirements, or if they need to move with a bonded friend to a new location. If you adopt one of the retiring donkeys, you will soon receive a letter, if you haven’t already, explaining the reasons for your donkey’s retirement and what this means for your adoption.

Henry

During his time at The Donkey Sanctuary Manchester, Henry (15), has helped many people with his kind and gentle nature by regularly participating in our Donkey Assisted Activities programme. 

Now, after 10 years of sharing his kindness and compassion with people of all ages, Henry is ready to retire from donkey-assisted activities. He will be swapping the lively Manchester sanctuary for a quieter environment, either at one of our dedicated farms or loving Guardian homes.

Retiring Henry has become essential for his health and wellbeing, as donkey welfare is always our utmost priority and their health and happiness are of paramount importance to us.

Tiny Tim

Tiny Tim has lived at The Donkey Sanctuary Manchester for eight years and over this time, this sweet, kind-hearted boy has helped many people taking part in our Donkey Assisted Activities programme.

These sessions help vulnerable children and adults by supporting them with their wellbeing, the development of key life skills and helping them to better deal with challenges in their everyday lives.

After so many years helping people of all ages with his kindness and compassion, it’s time for Tiny Tim (13), to leave our lively Manchester sanctuary and retire from donkey-assisted activities. He will be settling into a new chapter of his life, moving to a quieter environment where he can enjoy his retirement. He will remain in The Donkey Sanctuary’s loving care, spending the rest of his days at either one of our dedicated farms or loving Guardian homes.

Cisco

It is time for Cisco to step down from being an adoption donkey and enjoy a well-earned rest!

At 19 years of age, Cisco is an older donkey who, alongside expected age-related additional care needs, also requires regular blood tests to monitor his health. Although Cisco is not showing severe symptoms, he’s not been his usual lively self in the last few months, so we are keeping a close eye on him.

The space at The Donkey Sanctuary Birmingham only allows for one herd, which makes it difficult to meet the individual requirements of some donkeys. Cisco’s health concerns, combined with his age, have prompted our team of experts, including vets and grooms, to recommend changing his environment, so he can receive the extra care he may soon need. 

Shocks

At 18 years old, Shocks is an older donkey who, alongside expected age-related needs, also requires specialist care to manage his health conditions.

Shocks receives ongoing treatment for a skin condition, which he has had for some time. However, his condition has deteriorated in recent months due to being diagnosed with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID) – more commonly known as Cushing’s disease.

Shocks’ new diagnosis, combined with his skin condition and age, has prompted our team of experts, including vets and grooms, to recommend changing his environment, so he can receive the extra care he needs.

Join us LIVE from 6pm (BST) on 1 September as we meet the new donkeys joining our adoption scheme.

We'll be broadcasting live from our Manchester sanctuary to reveal our newest members to the adoption scheme and spending time getting to know them, as well as showing you the difference that your support helps us make.

We’re incredibly excited for you to meet the new characters who will be available to adopt from 1 September. Find out more about how to watch this event.

Note for existing adopters

If you currently adopt any of these four donkeys, we have sent you a letter explaining what this means for your adoptions.