Three rescued donkeys will soon support vulnerable community members in the Manchester area, thanks to your support.
Donkeys Laura, Snowy and Big Ears will soon be delivering Donkey Assisted Activities to local people while preparing to join our Rehoming Scheme.
Their story began in May 2020 when they were found living in Pembrokeshire, South Wales. All three had overgrown hooves and were in desperate need of veterinary attention.
They had no shelter or access to water and were confined to an open field which contained ragwort, a toxic plant that can be fatal to equines and other livestock if eaten.
The owner had many animals in their care. Due to the differing needs of all the species and the time and resources each one required, the basic needs of Laura, Big Ears and Snowy were unmet. Therefore, a decision had to be taken about their future care.
After working with the owner and a local vet, the owner agreed to relinquish the donkeys into our care, where they could receive expert care and veterinary attention.
After spending some time at one of our holding bases, Laura, Snowy and Big Ears' journey took them to our Axnoller Farm site in southwest Dorset.
Here, grooms spent many months building their trust and confidence until they were ready for their next steps.
The three donkeys recently made the long journey to our regional sanctuary in Abbey Hey, Manchester, where they joined the resident herd offering Donkey Assisted Activities to people in the local community.
These ground-based activities support the development of people's life skills and wellbeing, helping individuals better deal with everyday life's challenges while helping to promote positive attitudes towards donkeys.
Laura, Snowy and Big Ears will now spend the next couple of years at the sanctuary in Manchester as they are trained in preparation for the next stage of their lives.
Thanks to your generous support and the collaboration of our staff, the trio have been transformed into friendly, confident donkeys who will be able to make a valuable contribution to the local community before finding their forever home with a Donkey Guardian.
