The Donkey Sanctuary

Gold standard living for rescued mini donkeys’ foals

A pair of miniature donkey foals, who were born to mares following The Donkey Sanctuary’s biggest ever rescue operation, are part of the herd enjoying life in a new nature inspired enrichment paddock in the heart of the Sidmouth sanctuary.

Close companions Peanut and Maverick were born at the animal-welfare charity’s donkey hospital near Honiton, in April 2021. Their mums, Sharon and...

Pitch perfect donation for Sidmouth donkeys

A kind gesture by an East Devon football team means residents of The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth can enjoy continued wellbeing through exercise and play.

Feniton Football Club donated 60 used footballs to the sanctuary after hearing that the resident donkeys often play with footballs as part of their enrichment activities.

Enrichment is incredibly important for the resident...

Spooktacular new trail at The Donkey Sanctuary this October

There’s a new spooky adventure awaiting visitors at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth this October.

The Trick or Trot Halloween Trail is the perfect excuse for getting the family out in the autumnal air to explore the sanctuary and search for pumpkins that hide a trick or treat for the resident donkeys.

By guessing what is a trick or treat for the donkeys, this family...

Special day to celebrate human-animal bond at The Donkey Sanctuary

Star of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet, Peter Wright, will join a number of other animal experts and renowned pet artist, Hercule Van Wolfwinkle, at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth to celebrate National Human-Animal Bond Awareness Day on Sunday 28 July.

The day is a collaboration between a number of charities and organisations from across the UK to celebrate the relationship between...

Dartanyan – goodbye to the Sanctuary’s gentle giant

The Donkey Sanctuary said goodbye to an icon of the Sidmouth Sanctuary this week, as Dartanyan the gorgeous Poitou donkey was sadly put to sleep on the advice of the veterinary team.

Dartanyan was 14-years old and was one of the most instantly recognisable donkeys at the Sidmouth sanctuary in East Devon. He was a favourite among staff, volunteers and visitors alike. Known for his...

Take a walk on the wild side at the Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary

With spring just around the corner, visitors to The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth can discover some of the wildlife that live in and around the sanctuary with Drizzle’s Green Guardians Trail.

The sanctuary is home to thousands of insects, animals and plants, and they rely on donkeys like Drizzle and his pals to boost biodiversity on the land. Whether they are grazing the meadows or...

Role reversal: Sidmouth donkeys provide wellbeing for equine welfare officers  

A group of dedicated professionals, who spend their working lives protecting the welfare of horses, donkeys and mules, were treated to a wellbeing session with a difference at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth.

The frontline equine welfare officers spent a day at the Sanctuary’s Donkey Assisted Activities centre, giving them the opportunity to take time out of their busy roles to...

Donkeys enjoy festive enrichment

Donkeys at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth have been enjoying some festive enrichment this week and are pictured munching on some specially made Christmas wreaths

The garlands were carefully crafted by staff at the sanctuary using willow, herbs and selected pieces of cut up fruit and vegetables.

Enrichment is very important for the resident donkeys and provides them with...

Candlelight Service alongside Sidmouth donkeys 

The Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary was illuminated by thousands of LED candles on Friday evening as the charity held its annual Carols by Candlelight service.

The main walkways around the sanctuary were lit up with twinkling lights, creating the perfect seasonal atmosphere for the hundreds of visitors to the event.

Hosted by celebrant and BBC Radio presenter Emma Britton, the...

Donkeys in their barn at The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth

A festive bray out with the Sidmouth donkeys  

The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth has the festive season all wrapped and is the perfect winter’s day out for the whole family.

With a new winter trail, free admission and parking, an award-winning gift shop and restaurant, the sanctuary in the heart of the East Devon countryside is open every day except Christmas Day. There is lots to see and do, both indoors and outside, and dogs on...

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