Member of staff

Cara is a social scientist with expertise in human-animal relations and wildlife governance. She has over 10 years’ experience working with global conservation NGOs, across campaigns, communications and research. Prior to starting at The Donkey Sanctuary, she completed PhD in Human Geography with University of Plymouth, investigating urban nature and rewilding. She specialises in qualitative research, arts-based methods, and participatory approaches for research with diverse communities. She has published on a range of topics, including public perceptions and attitudes towards donkeys, the role of working equids in humanitarian crises, and the status and distribution of free-roaming donkeys globally.

Faith has worked for The Donkey Sanctuary since 2004 and has expanded and developed research programmes and technical support services. The author of over 50 peer-reviewed articles, she is a globally recognised expert on the health and welfare of donkeys and mules. She leads our research and operational support team which provides technical guidance and support to donkeys globally, and works to increase our knowledge of these wonderful animals.

She has a PhD in infectious diseases, and has been responsible for revolutionising the way in which our donkeys are managed. Faith has worked with commercial feed companies to design and produce donkey-friendly products, and alongside care providers to implement positive changes based on cutting edge science.

Nikki has vast practical experience working with equines across a variety of disciplines and holds a first-class honours degree in Equine Science from the University of the West of England (UWE) and a Masters with distinction in Applied Equine Science from the Royal Agricultural University (RAU).  She joined The Donkey Sanctuary research team in 2011 and has held the position of Senior Researcher (Nutrition & Care) since 2013, focusing on projects to improve donkey and mule health and welfare.  Nikki specialises in nutrition and parasitology and is a registered animal medicines advisor (RAMA/SQP).