Birthday cele’bray’tions for tea-loving donkey

Staff and volunteers at The Donkey Sanctuary Ivybridge celebrated a very special birthday recently, as one of their most popular donkeys turned 30.

Boomer has been a resident at the centre since it opened in 2007, and has been winning hearts ever since.

He is a familiar face to the many people who have visited the Ivybridge sanctuary over the years, and is an important part of the team, participating in the donkey-assisted activity programme which helps vulnerable children and adults across the community.

Known for his love of a cup of tea, Boomer is a firm favourite with staff, volunteers and visitors alike. Naomi Kinsman, centre coordinator at The Donkey Sanctuary Ivybridge said: “He is such a character and keeps us all on our toes. He loves being around people and will give us a friendly nudge when he feels he doesn’t have our full attention.

“He also enjoys herbal tea, which is one form of enrichment we offer our donkeys here at Ivybridge. We offer them buckets of water with flavoured teas, this allows the donkeys a variety of smells and flavours, providing them with mental stimulation.”

Boomer was relinquished into the care of the charity from his home in Yorkshire after his owner could no longer care for him. He was brought to The Donkey Sanctuary’s international headquarters in Sidmouth, before joining the herd at Ivybridge.

Boomer was a regular visitor to the area before the centre opened. He was part of a team that would visit local schools promoting the work of The Donkey Sanctuary. As the work of the charity progressed over the years, so too has Boomer’s role, leading to his present participation in the donkey-assisted activity programme.

30 is a grand age for any donkey, many living into their late twenties, although it is by no means unusual. One of the oldest donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary lived into their mid-50s, meaning Boomer may have many more years ahead of him.

In line with Government advice, The Donkey Sanctuary Ivybridge is temporarily closed to visitors. To find out more or to watch donkeys via the webcams at the Sidmouth sanctuary please visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk.