Donkeys are the most wonderful animals who bring such joy and happiness with their loving and trusting natures. They can make you smile with the faces they pull, the way they gallop around their fields or the love they have for their bonded friends.
The Donkey Sanctuary has grown from a charity rescuing UK donkeys from neglect and abuse to an international animal welfare organisation transforming the lives of millions of donkeys and mules, and the people who depend on them for their livelihood.
Looking after the mental well-being of our donkeys and mules is very important to us as it can affect both their physical health and behaviour.
In their natural environment, donkeys can walk up to 12 miles a day in search of food. While the donkeys at the sanctuary are extremely lucky to live with us, it only takes them a couple of hours to take in all the nutrition they need through the grass and straw available to them. Introducing new and novel objects (such as wellington boots) to the donkeys helps to replicate a natural environment while also keeping them active, excited and mentally stimulated.
Did you receive a postcard?
If the answer was yes... We wish you were here with us but as we are still closed, you were sent one of our adorable postcards to let you know that our donkeys are being well cared for and looking forward to meeting new friends when we re-open.
Friendships are very special at a time like this, and someone close to you wanted you to know they were thinking of you and hope that the postcard they sent made you smile.
If you would like to make someone else smile, please make a donation of £3 to send a postcard today.
Share with your family and friends
We hope that you will join us in making someone smile to help us spread joy and happiness.
We also have many other ideas that will bring a smile whether it's buying a gift for a special occasion from our online giftshop, watching our livestream 24/7 webcams, having a go at making one of our delicious chef's recipes, or even making your very own knitted Woolley donkey. There's something for everyone to enjoy.
