What you have made possible in 2024
This year, you’ve been there for donkeys when they’ve needed you the most. Although we all continue to navigate uncertain times and high costs, your unwavering generosity and support has helped change the stories of thousands of donkeys and mules around the world.
We are deeply moved by the sacrifices you’ve made by supporting donkeys during these trying times, and we want to express our gratitude for everything you’ve made possible this year.
The difference you’ve made for donkeys
Your extraordinary dedication to the welfare of donkeys has brought new chapters of hope and happiness to the lives of these remarkable animals. Here’s what you made possible in the last year:
175 welfare complaints investigated
You helped us investigate 175 welfare complaints and respond to 90 welfare advice requests across Great Britain.
With your support, we rescued two donkeys called Jack and Dash.
The pair were discovered with horrendously overgrown hooves and open wounds, but thanks to your help they are now enjoying brighter futures in our care.
22,683 donkeys and mules’ welfare improved internationally
With your help, we improved the welfare of 22,683 donkeys and mules and reached 8,190 people, including donkey owners, veterinary professionals and influential stakeholders, through the activities of 12 completed projects around the world.
You helped us forge a partnership with Women and Land Zimbabwe to establish a collaborative project working with local women to improve the welfare of their working donkeys.
We’ve also started designing and planning a further 25 projects that are estimated to improve the welfare of 211,148 donkeys and mules over the next four years.
15,782 veterinary examinations carried out
Your kindness helped our vets carry out 15,782 individual veterinary examinations and 103 individual surgeries across our sanctuary sites in the UK and Ireland.
Among the donkeys that received surgery was adoption donkey Ashley, who underwent eye surgery and an operation to remove two sarcoids earlier this year.
Thanks to the swift actions of our grooms and the expertise of our veterinary team, Ashley made an astounding recovery and is back leading a happy and fulfilled life – and you made that possible.
7,403 donkeys in our care received food, water, shelter and care
You helped supply the bare essentials like food, water, shelter and care to 7,403 donkeys and mules in our care across the UK, Ireland and Europe.
Your generosity makes a difference to the lives of donkeys like Molly and Maple. The pair came into our care nervous and afraid but have since grown in confidence and are settling in well to sanctuary life.
154 donkeys rehomed through our Rehoming Scheme
Thanks to your support, we rehomed 154 donkeys and mules to Guardian homes through our Rehoming Scheme.
Thanks to you, we found a loving new home for four donkeys called Daisy, Dora, Parsley and Sage.
The two pairs of donkeys who came into our care through two separate rescues are now thriving at their new Guardian home in Cheshire.
33 million donkeys one step closer to protection against the skin trade
Thanks to your support, our campaign to end the donkey skin trade marked a milestone moment when the African Union leaders agreed to ban the slaughter of donkeys for their skin.
The historic decision taken by the African Heads of State in February will not only help to protect the continent’s 33 million donkeys but it also safeguards tens of thousands of communities across Africa that rely on donkeys for their wellbeing and livelihoods.
Thank you for making a difference
We are so incredibly lucky to have supporters like you who make stories like this possible. Thank you for making a difference to the lives of thousands of donkeys and mules around the world this year and whatever this coming year may bring, together we can continue to change the stories of more donkeys in need.
