Adopting our donkeys, mules, and ponies

7 March 2024


Thank you for the love and generous support you give our animals and our sanctuary. We're extremely grateful - your help really does support the care and well-being of our precious companions.

 

Animal adoption changes

We’ve made some changes to the number of donkeys, ponies and mules available for adoption and we wanted to let you know why we’ve done this.

 

We know that adopting an animal can be like welcoming a new family member.  It’s special. We want to do our best to make sure your relationship with your donkey and the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is happy and long lasting. We also want to make sure that your adopted animal is sociable and happy to be around people when you visit.

 

Donkey welfare at our heart

Our yard team work so closely with all the animals and have spent time carefully reviewing their records and behaviour. We have decided to remove some donkeys from the adoption process due to their age, health issues or because they are not yet confident enough to be constantly in the public eye.


We’re delighted to say that there are still over 50 animals available for adoption. This includes plenty of characters who love the limelight and who will be only too happy to grab the attention!

 

With the welfare of our animals at the heart of all we do, we wanted to be open with you about why we’ve made the changes we have.


Please note, if you are already adopting a donkey who is no longer available for new adoptions you will still be able to renew the adoption and keep in touch with them.


Find your favourite and start your adoption journey today. If your favourite donkey isn’t on the adoption list, why not make a donation to support them. If you prefer you could treat them to something special from our Amazon Wishlist.

Recent Posts

by abigail.fox 28 May 2026
If you’re an HR professional looking to reconnect with the people side of your role, this is a wonderful opportunity to join our compassionate, values led team. At the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary everything we do is guided by a clear purpose: providing refuge, new beginnings and exceptional care for donkeys and other equines in need. We’re looking for someone who values collaboration and who brings warmth and integrity to their work. You’ll be excited by the opportunity to combine your HR expertise with building meaningful relationships across the sanctuary. By supporting our team of staff and volunteers you’ll be making a lasting difference for both people and animals. What you’ll be doing Build positive relationships with staff and volunteers, providing a warm, approachable first point of contact for people-related support and guidance Support the recruitment and onboarding, helping create a welcoming and engaging experience for new team members and volunteers from first contact onwards Coordinate meaningful inductions, training, and development opportunities that help people feel confident, connected, and set up for success Help foster a positive, values-led culture by supporting wellbeing, performance conversations, and people experiences across the organisation Work collaboratively with managers to ensure people processes are delivered smoothly, fairly, and with integrity Key Skills & Experience Level 3 CIPD qualification (minimum) Experience in HR administration and recruitment for a similar size organisation Strong organisational and time management skills Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities Knowledge of HR systems and employment compliance Ability to handle confidential information with discretion Why work with us? At the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, every day is a chance to make a difference — for our animals, our visitors, and our community. You’ll join a friendly, supportive team where kindness, connection, and care are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re helping someone settle into a new role, supporting colleagues, encouraging volunteer engagement, or building strong relationships across the organisation — your role will offer the chance to reconnect with the people side of HR while contributing to our vision of being a centre of excellence in donkey welfare. If this role is for you please apply on Isle of Wight Jobs .
A donkey looking over a fence
by abigail.fox 21 May 2026
Thank you to you!
Two people looking at each other with a donkey on either side of them
by abigail.fox 3 May 2026
Book a Donkey Experience for 2 this May and save £20!
A brown donkey with a white nose leaning it's head on a fence.
by abigail.fox 3 April 2026
There's lots happening at the sanctuary this spring.
by abigail.fox 3 April 2026
Come and join us this half term - 23 to 31 May
A donkey looks over a fence with his face resting on a 'do not feed the animals' sign
by abigail.fox 2 April 2026
It's so important that you don't feed them...
Show More