You’ve been there for donkeys when they’ve needed you most. Thank you for being such an important part of our family.
Supporters like you make all the difference to donkeys. Thanks to you, the lives of donkeys in need can be transformed, helping them to lead happy, healthy lives.
We want to share some of the stories from 2022 where your continued generosity helped to change the lives of thousands of donkeys and mules, who can now welcome in the new year receiving the love and expert care they deserve.
We are so fortunate to have you as part of our family, making all of these stories possible.
Eight donkeys safe after a major rescue operation
Following one of the UK's most extensive animal rescue operations, this group of donkeys are now safe in our care thanks to your support.
The donkeys were found in appalling conditions at a Surrey farm alongside around 50 horses and ponies, all crammed in small, dirty pens inside a barn.
Georgia McCormick, our Senior Donkey Welfare Adviser, says: "I had been briefed before entering the site, but I could never prepare myself fully for what I felt when setting foot into the barn.
"The sight of these poor animals cramped into tiny, dirty areas, with no apparent signs of any love or attention, will stay with me for a very long time."
Following the complex rescue operation, which saw us working alongside Surrey Police, RSPCA, Guildford Borough Council, Bucks and Surrey Trading Standards, Bransby Horses, Redwings, The Horse Trust, World Horse Welfare, Dogs Trust and several vets, the group of eight arrived at our headquarters in Sidmouth.
The group settled in well, and one of the mares gave birth to a foal, now named Dave, who enjoys a happy and healthy life thanks to you.
Alongside regular vet checks and farrier visits, your support has helped us to provide the group with one-to-one care with our wonderful grooms, helping to build up the donkeys' trust and allowing them to flourish.
Max and Lady, two of the rescued group, are doing so well that they may be able to join our Rehoming Scheme and a Donkey Guardian family in the near future.
Jaime Down, Farm Supervisor at The Donkey Sanctuary, says: "These donkeys have been transformed from nervous, shy donkeys to inquisitive, friendly characters who are living life to the fullest.
"They are all very friendly, and they are very much a bonded group. Wherever one is, the whole group is!"
Putting the smile back on Harry's face
21-year-old Harry has a history of health issues. Three years ago, he had been given only a couple of weeks to live as he suffered from chronic laminitis. Thanks to your generosity, Harry was able to overcome his foot issues and become a happy and healthy resident at Slade House Farm
In September this year, our team of wonderful grooms noticed that Harry had stopped eating and started packing food between his teeth. Harry's medical history concerned the team, and they quickly alerted our veterinary department to these new developments.
The veterinary team noticed some swelling to the right side of Harry's face and discovered pus draining from a gap between two of his upper cheek teeth. The team took several X-rays and identified that one of his teeth was suffering from an infection to the tooth's root, clearly causing Harry a painful toothache.
The dentistry team worked quickly to extract the tooth, performing the routine at the farm to prevent any delays. The extraction was completed under a standing sedation and nerve block for the procedure to be pain-free.
Thanks to your generosity, Harry quickly received the expert veterinary care he desperately needed. The following day Harry showed a marked improvement, and after a week of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, he'd fully recovered.
Maxine Carter, Slade House Farm Manager, says: "We are so happy to see Harry back to his old self once more.
"It is lovely to watch him enjoying himself in his paddock with his friends Alice and Bobbie."
Bright future for Dolly and Daphne
Dolly was part of a group of 14 donkeys discovered living in appalling conditions at a site in Carlisle in August 2019. Dolly was pregnant, a big surprise for the rescue team.
Her foal, Daphne, is full of confidence, and she never knew hardship like Dolly. This family of two now enjoy a new lease of life in our care thanks to the generosity of supporters like you.
Pastures new for Star and Grace
Relinquished into our care at just a few months old, adorable donkeys Star and Grace became two playful and inquisitive members of our Paccombe Farm family.
With bright and busy minds, full of energy and no previous negative influences, the two half-sisters were perfect candidates for our rehoming scheme.
Building new shelters in Nepal
Early in January 2022, your generosity helped to fund two new shelters in the Nepalese city of Nepalgunj through our Covid-19 Emergency Response Fund.
The buildings now help to ensure the welfare of working equines in Nepalgunj and decrease the number of donkeys freely roaming the city streets.
Three donkeys support vulnerable members of the Manchester community
Laura, Big Ears and Snowy were rescued in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, in May 2020. Thanks to your support, the trio have transformed into friendly, confident donkeys.
In 2022, they moved to our Manchester sanctuary, where they now help with Donkey Assisted Activities that help to develop clients' life skills and wellbeing and promote positive attitudes towards donkeys.
Whatever this coming year may bring, together we can make a difference to more donkeys’ lives.