Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Latest News

What's on May and June at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 14:27:24 GMT

There's lots happening at the sanctuary this spring.

World Donkey Day, Friday 8 May

We’re celebrating all week! Treat yourself to a coffee and donkey shaped biscuit deal in our café . Our bespoke hand iced donkey biscuits are made locally by Anne from Baked Bliss and they’re all unique!

Deal: Any coffee + donkey biscuit for £6.50 from the 4 to 10 May 2026.

Isle of Wight Walking Festival, 9 to 17 May

We’re delighted to be offering two lovely walks that start at the sanctuary during the festival. Plus we’re offering 10% off to all Isle of Wight Walking Festival walkers. More details available on our blog .

Rydabus weekend, 16 and 17 May

We’re a terminus for the popular Rydabus weekend . Park your car for free at the sanctuary, pop in and see our donkeys and enjoy the café before heading off round the Island.

Don’t forget we’ve got live music in the courtyard on Sunday 17 May with Double Take, Melodic Choir and Boogie Woogie Sisters.

May half term 23 to 31 May

May half term is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the outdoors. The sanctuary will of course be open 7 days a week from 10am to 4.30pm with free parking and entry.

Find out more on our website .

Open Farm Sunday 6 and 7 June

We’re celebrating farm life as part of this year’s Open Farm Sunday campaign and we’re going big on machinery.

Come along and join the fun !

May half term at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:53:22 GMT

Come and join us this half term - 23 to 31 May

With the weather warming up - fingers crossed - May half term, including the bank holiday weekend, is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the Island’s beautiful countryside . Whether you fancy a gentle stroll around the sanctuary or a scenic walk across the fields from Godshill, we’re the perfect place for relaxed and affordable family time together. If you feel like a walk, it takes just 20–30 minutes from Godshill and offers lovely views along the way.

As always, the sanctuary is open seven days a week from 10am to 4.30pm, with free entry and free parking.

While you’re here, be sure to visit our sanctuary café for homemade cakes, light lunches, and a selection of hot and cold drinks and ice creams. With scenic views from the terrace it’s the perfect spot for a little break. Don’t forget to browse our gift shop , full of donkey-themed treats, souvenirs, and goodies that help support the work we do.

We’re also very dog friendly, so well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome to join you while you visit.

Free Activities This May Half Term

Tractor Trail

Young visitors can enjoy our free Tractor Trail, exploring the sanctuary while keeping an eye out for hidden tractors along the way. It’s completely free to take part, though donations are always greatly appreciated and help support the care of our donkeys.

Free Guided Tours – Daily at 11.30am

Join us every day at 11.30am for a free guided tour, including some special behind‑the‑scenes access. You can book a tour online or simply turn up on the day (subject to availability).

Daily Yard Team Q&A – 2pm

At 2pm each afternoon, meet members of our yard team for a friendly Q&A session. Head to Busby’s Barn or Sunny’s Sandpark area and keep an eye out for the sign. It’s a great chance to learn more about the donkeys in our care and the work that goes into keeping them happy and healthy.

Whether you’re popping in for a peaceful wander, a family adventure, a dog walk, or just a slice of cake and a browse in the shop, we’d love see you this May half term.

Please don't feed our animals

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:04:53 GMT

It's so important that you don't feed them...

We know how tempting it is to want to pull up longer grass to feed to a donkey or pony, but please don’t do it.

There are several reasons for this:

Some of our animal’s teeth are in poor condition or they might not have many teeth at all! This means that they can nibble and pluck grass for themselves but being hand fed grass that's been pulled up from the ground could give them choke or colic. Both conditions are painful and can be fatal.
Our animals are all on very closely managed diets. Some are already poorly, on medication or simply very old. If they eat the wrong thing, they can become seriously ill. They may need to go to the mainland hospital for surgery and treatment.
Some of our visitors have tried to feed our donkeys things like boiled sweets or nuts. Although our animals do get treats, our team know what they can and can’t eat and sweets aren’t on the list!
Donkeys can bite and we want our visitors to leave with the same number of fingers and thumbs they arrived with. You can pet any animal that comes over to the fence to see you but please, always be mindful of your fingers.

Please help us look after our much-loved animals. Thank you for your support - it's much appreciated.

Open Farm Sunday on the Isle of Wight

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:43:43 GMT

Come behind the scenes on our farm! 6 and 7 June 2026

You may not have given it much thought, but did you know our sanctuary is also a working farm? Our donkeys graze paddocks that are carefully looked after every day of the year by our dedicated land management team.

For Open Farm Sunday 2026 we're inviting you behind the scenes to have a look at a display of our farm machinery – think tractor, poo picker and other wonderful machinery - which will be on display in our yard all weekend. Our Land Manager Nick will be on hand to answer questions about the equipment and what we use it for.

There will be a free 'spot the tractor' trail around the sanctuary for younger visitors. Everyone can enjoy 4 guided tours available over the weekend – which will end at the farm machinery display and a chance to chat to Nick.

We'll also have live music in the courtyard and of course our café and shop will be open for all to enjoy.

Of course entry and parking are free, but we love donations as they help us look after our animals. The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is open for Open Farm Sunday as usual = 10am to 4.30pm on both days.

See you at the sanctuary!

Welcome to our new residents

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:31:06 GMT

6 new donkeys from the New Forest

Press release March 2026:
The Island’s much‑loved, free to visit Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary has had a busy winter, having recently welcomed six new arrivals. These include a beautiful 10 month old foal called Pickle, his mum Willow and four other donkeys: Lulu, Little Man, mother-and-daughter duo Dilly and Maisie, all rehomed from the New Forest.

As is common with rescued animals, the full history of the new residents isn’t known, but it’s believed they once lived freely in the New Forest. More recently they have been cared for as part of a larger group of 19 donkeys. As their owners grew older and found it harder to provide the level of care the animals needed, they made the tough decision to find a new home for part of the herd. As regular visitors to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, they knew their donkeys would receive exceptional care and love on the Island and so asked for help.

After spending time in quarantine, the new arrivals are now ready to meet the public. They join several other recent additions to the sanctuary family, including donkeys Lucy and Tilly and Sunny Pony — a delightful elderly lady from Ryde.

These new animals bring the sanctuary’s total residents to 109 donkeys, 14 ponies, a mule and a horse, all of which are receiving lifelong care, support and love.

Sam Thornby, Yard Manager, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome these lovely donkeys - and Sunny Pony - to the sanctuary. Although they’ve not travelled too far, we’re monitoring the members very closely and making sure they settle in well in their new Wroxall home. We look forward to welcoming visitors this Easter holidays and introducing them to our newest arrivals.”

Easter fun at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 15:14:51 GMT

Visit us this spring

Spring is a perfect time to visit the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary . The leaves are in bud, the sun is shining (fingers crossed!) and our donkeys are spending much more time in the paddocks. Over the winter we’ve been joined by Lucy and Tilly and Sunny Pony who would love to meet you.

Despite the signs we are open! Here's more information about how to get to the sanctuary during the roadworks .

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary opening times

We will be opening from 10am to 4.30pm, 7 days a week from Saturday 28 March. Our café is open too, serving delicious food and drinks until 4:30pm. Last hot food orders are at 4pm. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or lunch on the terrace we'd love to see you.

Easter activities for all ages

Spring at the sanctuary is all about getting outdoors and enjoying everything our beautiful space has to offer. There's lots to enjoy:

Free Easter Egg Trail, 28 March to 12 April

Our popular sanctuary Easter Egg Hunt is back! Pick up a trail card when you arrive and follow the route around the sanctuary, keeping an eye out for colourful Easter eggs. Find them all and head to the café to collect your sweet reward.

Decorate an egg competition

Can you decorate an egg to look like a donkey? We’d love to see your creations! Our favourite egg will win an adoption of the donkey of your choice.
Using a boiled or blown egg (no uncooked eggs please) decorate your egg at home and bring it to our Welcome Hub when you arrive. We’ll take your details and contact you if you win!

Free Easter colouring in the café

Enjoy free Easter colouring in the café for our younger visitors and their families.

Music in the Courtyard

Easter Sunday 5 April - Local musicians Chris Mezza and Ricky J will be joining us from 11am to 3pm in the courtyard.

Explore the sanctuary

Daily guided tour at 11.30am - free!

Go behind the scenes and learn more about sanctuary life on our exclusive guided tour.
Guarantee your place by booking online . A limited number of spaces may be available on the day on a first-come, first-served basis. Tours last around 45 minutes.

Springtime walks

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of spring on the Isle of Wight with a relaxing stroll around our wildlife meadow. Pick up a picnic in the café or bring one with you and soak up our peaceful surroundings.

A special experience

Our unique Donkey Experience

Two hours in a small group (up to two people) with a member of our team - getting up close with our donkeys. Feed, groom, walk, and even help with a bit of poo picking!
Book our Donkey Experience online .

Even more to enjoy at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Treat yourself in our café

After visiting our donkeys, why not enjoy a tasty lunch in our café? Our popular and delicious Afternoon Tea makes a special Easter treat.

Easter shopping

Our shop is packed with Easter treats, books, souvenirs and you can even buy a magnet of every animal we have…

Adopt a donkey, pony, mule or horse

All our animals are available for adoption either at the Adoption hub in the café or online .

As always, our wonderful team and animals are looking forward to seeing you.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Easter Egg Trail free?
Yes — our Easter Egg Trail is completely free and runs from 28 March to 12 April.

Do I need to book the Donkey Experience?
Yes, booking is essential as places are limited to small groups.

Are dogs allowed at the sanctuary?
Yes well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome throughout the sanctuary including in the shop and café.

Is the sanctuary suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs?
Yes the sanctuary is mainly suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There is more information on our website .

Isle of Wight Walking Festival Spring 2026

Sun, 01 Mar 2026 10:56:24 GMT

Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival

We’re delighted to be offering two walks leaving from the sanctuary as part of the spring Isle of Wight Walking Festival .

You can join us for Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary trainline and valley circular walk on Saturday 9 May 2026 and Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary to Godshill via Appuldurcombe and return on Sunday 10 May 2026. They are both filling up quickly, so early booking advised!

Nestled in 55 acres of serene Isle of Wight countryside in the Wroxall valley, our sanctuary is home to over 100 donkeys, ponies, and mules. Throughout the spring 2026 Isle of Wight Walking Festival we’re inviting walkers to visit the sanctuary, meet our herds and enjoy a wander around our site. We’re open 7 days a week from 10am to 4.30pm. We offer free entry and free parking, with several footpaths and a bridleway leading from our land, we’re a great place to start and end a walk. We also welcome well behaved dogs on leads at the sanctuary. The number 3 bus stop right outside our gates - please check this on the Southern Vectis website .

Our café is open daily from 10 am to 4.30pm, serving a range of delicious baguettes to go, fabulous cakes, hot food (until 4.00pm) and more. During the walking festival we’re offering all participants a 10% discount* on food and drink in our café. Why not treat yourself to a bacon bap before you leave and a post-walk cream tea! Gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options available.

To take advantage of the 10% discount, just show a reservation for any spring 2026 Isle of Wight Walking Festival walk when you pay.

We hope you have a wonderful walking festival and look forward to seeing you.

*Offer valid only during the Spring Isle of Wight Walking Festival, 9 to 17 May 2026 and is not available on our afternoon tea.

Getting to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary during the Wroxall roadworks

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:09:33 GMT

From 2 March 2026, additional repairs will be carried out to an embankment in the area.

We’re open 7 days a week throughout the roadworks and would love to welcome you to the sanctuary.

Driving to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, PO38 3AA

The entrance to the donkey sanctuary is on St John’s Road B3327.

When driving to us via the A3020 Shanklin Road you’ll reach the junction of St John’s Road at the Whiteley Bank roundabout and see multiple road closure signs. Although it may look like St John’s Road is totally closed, you can still drive down St John’s Road far enough to access the sanctuary.

Please note:

You cannot access the sanctuary directly from Ventnor through Wroxall village. If travelling from Ventnor, you must go via Shanklin and approach the sanctuary from that direction.

Getting to the sanctuary by bus

If you’re travelling by bus, a shuttle bus service is available. Full details, including routes and timetables, are on the Southern Vectis website .

Walking or cycling from Shanklin to the donkey sanctuary

A relaxing and scenic way to reach us is to take the train to Shanklin and then walk or cycle along the old railway line .

The route is flat and easy to follow
It takes around 45 minutes on foot
It’s ideal for enjoying the countryside on the way

Celebrate Mother's Day at the IOW Donkey Sanctuary

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 13:13:14 GMT

Mother's Day is Sunday 15 March this year. There’s no better way to show your mum just how special she is than by spending quality time together at the sanctuary, surrounded by our gentle donkeys.

Add delicious food and thoughtful gifts into the mix and you’ve found the perfect way to celebrate the special lady in your life and her special day at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.

Treat mum to afternoon tea at the sanctuary

This Mother’s Day, make it a day to remember with a delicious afternoon tea at our welcoming café.

Enjoy a selection of sandwiches, savouries and some special sweet treats baked just for mum. Available Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March.

Bookings are essential, please call the café to book: 01983 852693, option 2.

Donkey themed gifts

Our sanctuary shop is brimming with charming gifts. Check out our Mother’s Day selection in our online shop .

Adopt a donkey, pony, mule or horse

Why not adopt a donkey, pony, mule or horse? It’s the gift that keeps on giving all year round, and every adoption helps us care for all our animals at the sanctuary.

Find out more about adopting with us .

Unique Hedgerow Gin

Is your mum partial to a tipple?! Why not make her day with a bottle of our delicious Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Hedgerow Gin? Crafted with botanicals inspired by our own hedgerows - including elderberry, blackberry and rosehip, it’s a real taste of the sanctuary.

Pick up a bottle in our on-site shop or order online direct from Isle of Wight Gin who create the gin just for us.

Gift your mum a wonderful Donkey Experience

If your leading lady loves animals, our Donkey Experience makes for an unforgettable gift. Taking place in small groups of up to two people - it's perfect to enjoy together - you'll spend time spend time with our team, grooming and learning all about our donkeys. Yes there will be picking up poo, but there'll also be plenty of chance for donkey cuddles!

We do also offer a shorter experience for people who may not manage a two hour experience, but would love to be closer to our donkeys. Just use the link below to find out more.

Book your donkey experience online .

Gift vouchers — the perfect last-minute present

Short on time? Or maybe you'd like to give your mum the chance to choose just what she wants? Our gift vouchers can be used in the café, shop or we sell them for our Donkey Experience and donkey adoptions.

Buy gift vouchers on this page .

Visit the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

With free entry and parking, beautiful walking trails, friendly donkeys and a warm welcome, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is the ideal place to spend Mother’s Day together.

We’re looking forward to helping you celebrate Mother’s Day 2026!

£1.50 off coffee and cake for English Tourism Week

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:42:51 GMT

Join us during English Tourism Week for a coffee and cake deal!

English Tourism Week takes place Friday 13 to Sunday 22 March 2026 to celebrate the sector and raise awareness of the value, range and quality of English tourism.

We're celebrating our part in tourism on the Isle of Wight with a coffee and cake deal for our wonderful visitors. A warm welcome is guaranteed at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, whatever the weather (or road closures!). Early spring is the perfect time to come along and enjoy a relaxing visit with a cup of coffee and a piece of cake.

Take a gentle stroll around the sanctuary and meet over 100 donkeys, ponies, a mule and a horse before heading to our café for well-earned refreshments. From 13 to 22 March 2026, enjoy £1.50 off when you buy a coffee and cake together.

Our tempting selection of cakes changes regularly, from classic Victoria sponge to indulgent chocolate brownies. Pair your slice with your favourite coffee - whether that’s a café latte, cappuccino or something totally different - it's up to you!

The sanctuary, café , and shop are open every day from 10.30am to 3pm .
This offer is available 13 to 22 March only excluding Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 March 2026.

St Johns Road - road closure March 2026

There are road works on St Johns Road, Wroxall, further down in the village. You can still get to the sanctuary by car from the Whitely Bank, Godshill and Shanklin end of St John's road.

There's more information and a guide to getting to us on our website .

For more information please go to the Island Roads website .

Due to the road works, the usual bus service has changed and there is a shuttle bus that goes past the sanctuary. You can find information about getting to us by bus on the Southern Vectis website .

Community music in the courtyard 2026

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 17:14:22 GMT

Community music in the courtyard

Join us in our courtyard from April 05 to October 11 for some live community music Sundays! Featuring a range of genres to entertain everyone, it's the perfect way to unwind with friends and family.
Delicious food and drinks are available in the café too!

All performances will be outdoors within the courtyard, and may be cancelled at short notice due to inclement weather.

Community music in the Courtyard dates, times and performers below.

Free Guided Tours

Sun, 08 Feb 2026 12:37:12 GMT

Go behind the scenes with Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Free Guided Tours

Looking for something fun, educational, and different to do with the family during the school holidays? Come and explore the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary with our free guided tours , running daily at 11:30am in the school holidays.

These exclusive tours give you the chance to learn more about the sanctuary from one of our team. You'll get to go behind the scenes and visit our feed room where you can hear first-hand about the daily care, feeding, and veterinary support that our donkeys receive.

It’s the perfect opportunity to ask questions, learn more about our rescue work and most importantly, see our donkeys.

Whether you're a long-time supporter or it’s your first visit, the guided tour will give you a deeper understanding of the amazing work that goes on every single day.

The best part? It’s completely free.

You can book your space in advance. We also hold back a few for bookings on the day, that can be booked at the Welcome Hut on the day.

Want to learn more about the sanctuary? Come along, meet the donkeys and discover more.

February Half Term 2026

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:20:22 GMT

Valentine’s February Half Term Fun at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Looking for something fun (and a little bit different) to do this February half term on the Isle of Wight?

Join us at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary for Valentine’s-themed activities for children and families, all set against the peaceful backdrop of our donkeys and countryside.

The sanctuary is open seven days a week from 10.30am to 3pm, with Valentine’s activities running from Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February.

Valentine’s Trail

Fun-seeking explorers can take part in our special Valentine’s Trail at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, with 14 decorated hearts hidden around the site.

Pick up a Valentine’s Trail colouring sheet and a packet of crayons from the Welcome Hub for a suggested donation of £1.

As you explore the sanctuary, search for the hearts and colour in your sheet. Once completed, return it to the Welcome Hub to receive a sweet treat.

Valentine’s cards in the café

Have you got a favourite donkey? Throughout half term, children can colour in a Valentine’s card in our café, just for the donkey they love.

Once finished, cards can be posted into our special Valentine’s post box, and we’ll make sure they’re delivered to your chosen donkey.

Free site tours

We’re offering free site tours at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary throughout half term. Tours will take place daily at 11.30am, from Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February, weather permitting.

These 45-minute, family-friendly tours are a great opportunity to:

Learn more about the sanctuary
Go behind the scenes and discover how we care for our donkeys
Hear donkey stories and get all your questions answered

You can book online or turn up on the day, subject to availability.

Valentine’s Afternoon Tea

Why not plan the sweetest Valentine’s treat on the Isle of Wight and join us for Valentine’s Afternoon Tea on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February?

Enjoy delicious cakes, sandwiches and other sweet treats, perfect for sharing with someone special.
Find out more about our Valentine’s Afternoon Tea .

Lonely Hearts Adoptions

Could you give one of our Lonely Hearts some love this Valentine’s? Gabby, Lenny, Major and Wispa are among our least adopted donkeys and are all looking for someone special.

Come and visit them at the sanctuary or find out more about our Lonely Hearts on our website.

Just turn up for Valentine’s fun

There’s no need to book, just turn up and enjoy a fun-filled Valentine’s half term at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.

We’re open every day from 10.30am to 3pm, with the Valentine’s Trail, Valentine’s cards and free guided tours available from Saturday 14 to Sunday 22 February 2026. The road to the sanctuary is open despite the road closed signs nearby!

We can’t wait to welcome you and your family for a memorable half term with our donkeys, ponies, mule and horse!

Valentine’s Afternoon Tea

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 13:58:41 GMT

Valentine’s Afternoon Tea

Love is always in the air at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary! This Valentine’s weekend, we’ve got something extra special for all you romantics, whether your number one love is your partner, friend or a four-legged best friend.

Our café team has given our popular Afternoon Tea a romantic twist. Picture heart-shaped scones, delicious cakes and a unique sweet treat to share with your special someone.

Our limited edition Valentine’s Afternoon Tea is £24.95 per person. It’s available on February 14 & 15. To book your spot, call our café on 01983 852693 and press option 2. Please book 48 hours in advance. Vegan and gluten free options available.

Celebrate love and romance this Valentine’s Day at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary – we’d love to see you.

Drop off your real Christmas trees at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:36:37 GMT

Our donkeys would love your real Christmas trees once you’ve taken them down!

From Saturday 27 December 2025 to Sunday 11 January 2026 , you’re welcome to drop off your real Christmas trees at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, St Johns Road, Wroxall, PO38 3AA.

Our donkeys love eating and playing with Christmas trees! In 2024, we hung trees up for them and they had a fantastic time interacting with them. Here's Roo inspecting a delivery of trees from Christmas 2024.

Why we use Christmas trees

Pine needles are a great source of vitamins and fibre.
They contain vitamin C, and donkeys also get extra fibre from the needles and bark. Trees encourage natural foraging behaviour and offer brilliant mental stimulation – they create perfect enrichment for wintery days spent in the barn.

If the donkeys can’t use all the trees, we’ll chip the extras to create wonderfully aromatic bedding for our barns. Nothing will go to waste.

Where to leave your Christmas tree

There’ll be a clearly marked drop-off area in our car park. And as we’re open all winter , don’t forget to pop into the café for a warm drink or a bite to eat once you’ve dropped your tree off.

A couple of things to note:

Real fir trees only, please. Other trees can be toxic to donkeys.
No trees heavily sprayed with room fragrance, as we won’t be able to use them.
Please remove all your decorations before leaving your tree with us!

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about our Christmas tree drop off.

Family Festive Weekend at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:08:20 GMT

Enjoy Christmas at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Christmas is on the way - let the magic start at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary!
Looking for affordable, family-friendly Christmas fun on the Isle of Wight ? Join us at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary this December for a wonderful festive experience, peaceful winter walks and special moments with our donkeys. From meeting Santa to enjoying pony carriage rides, our Festive Weekend is the perfect Christmas day out for families of all ages.

20 and 21 December - Santa’s Grotto with our donkeys!

16 December update - Santa's a popular chap!
We've just added a few more online booking spaces today.
Once these are full there will be 4 spaces for each time slots time available on the day. These are on a first come first served basis.

See you at the weekend!

Celebrate Christmas at one of the most unique festive events on the Isle of Wight. Visit Santa in his cosy grotto, tucked inside the donkey barn and surrounded by our friendly donkeys and cheery elves.
Santa will be meeting families from 10:30am to 3pm and every child receives a gift to take home.

Affordable family price: from just £5 per child, includes a goodie bag.
Book online to secure your slot. Don't panic if it's full up online - we've saved plenty of places for bookings on the day.

Fully booked - Quiet Time Santa’s Grotto

Saturday 20 December, 10.00am to 10.30am
A calmer, but still magical Santa experience — ideal for families who prefer a quieter environment or who need a bit more time.
From £5 per person, includes goodie bag. Must be booked in advance.

Even more fun during our Festive Weekend:

Special Christmas pony & carriage rides

Enjoy a magical Christmas treat with our festive pony and carriage rides. A unique experience!
£5 per person.

Free Reindeer Trail

Explore the sanctuary, search for Santa’s reindeers and collect a sweet treat at the end. Free and open throughout December.

Seasonal joy at the sanctuary

Soak up the Christmas spirit with festive music, mulled wine, mince pies and browse our range of unique Christmas gifts in the shop.

With over 100 donkeys, ponies, a horse and Phoenix the mule to meet, this promises to be a wonderful festive weekend for everyone – full of fresh air, friendly faces and seasonal magic.

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is open from 10am to 4pm throughout our Festive Weekend.

The details:

Santa’s Grotto at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary will be open Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 December from 10.30am to 3.30pm .
Entry to see Santa is £6 for one child, £10 for two children or £15 for three children. Online booking will open soon. You will also be able to book on the day - subject to availability.
'Quiet Santa's Grotto' will be available on Saturday 20 December from 10am to 10.30am for visitors with additional needs. These slots can only be booked online.
Robert and Murray’s carriage rides will be available from 11.30am to 1.30pm and 2pm to 3.30pm both days. £5 per person per ride payable on the day.

See our full terms and conditions for the event.

Christmas Posting Dates

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 15:50:22 GMT

Please order early for Christmas!

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Christmas posting dates 2025

If you're planning some Christmas shopping with us this year, please see below for our last posting dates. The official Royal Mail last mailing date for 2nd class post is Wednesday 17 December.

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary last order dates for delivery before Christmas:

Ordering in our online shop ? Please order by Tuesday 16 December.
Ordering a printed adoption packs sent in the post, please order by Tuesday 16 December.

We will send items out by 2nd class post on the 17 December. Please do order early as although the 17 December is the official 2nd class last posting day, things can go haywire at Christmas!
We will continue to send items out after the 17 December, but there is even less chance they will be with you by Christmas Day.

If you would like to buy an adoption in person, our adoption hub will be open on site at the sanctuary until 3pm on Christmas Eve. You can pick up some adoption goodies to go away with for the big day, but your welcome pack will be sent at the beginning of January 2025.

Missed the last posting date? We can still help!

You can buy a digital adoption up until 4pm on Wednesday 24 December and receive it in your inbox before Christmas.
You can buy a digital adoption gift voucher any time - even on Christmas Day. This way the gift recipient can choose and purchase their adoption whenever they choose.
As well as adoption vouchers, we offer digital Donkey Experience vouchers that be bought any time. This amazing gift is wonderful for animal lovers - it's the gift of two unforgettable hours behind the scenes at the sanctuary as a member of the staff team. Read more about our Donkey Experience .

Please note that any adoptions taken out after 4pm on Wednesday 24 December may not be sent out until Monday 5 January 2026.

If you'd like to visit us over Christmas, our opening times are available on our website .

Celebrate Christmas with the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 14:56:57 GMT

Enjoy the festive season at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Christmas and New Year 2025 opening times

We are closed to visitors on December 25 and 26, 2025 and January 1, 2026. We will be closing at 3pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve as per our winter opening hours .
We are open the rest of the Christmas period, do come and see your adopted donkey and treat yourself to a warming drink and snack in the café!

Free reindeer trail 1 to 30 December

Bring the kids and get them out in the fresh air this December with our free reindeer trail. Pick up a sheet at our Welcome Hub then search the sanctuary for 9 reindeers who are hiding around our site. Everyone who takes part will get a free sweet treat!

Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December

Our café  will be open from 10am to 12pm on Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December for a complimentary cuppa, mince pie and a chat. Whether you're out for a walk or on your own this Christmas, please do come and join us.
The sanctuary itself will not be open; there will be no access to our donkeys or the footpaths around the site.

Christmas gifts from the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

We have a range of delightful gifts in our sanctuary shop and our online store. Buying from us creates an extra gift as all profits from our shop go straight back into our charity.

We have some wonderful gifts that are unique to the sanctuary:

  A Donkey Experience gift voucher
An unforgettable two hours spent with our friendly team and lovely donkeys.
This is the perfect gift for the animal lovers in your life. It’s a hands on experience – think grooming, feeding and mucking out! This is a unique experience that’s highly rated by everyone who takes part and is sure to create a wonderful bank of memories for your loved one.
Give someone you love - or yourself - the chance to win big
Give a loved one the chance to win £25,000 with an Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Lotto voucher. A generous gift that helps us care for our donkeys.
2026 Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Calendar
Treat the donkey lover in your life to a different donkey for every month of 2026!
Adopt ing a donkey, pony or mule makes a wonderful gift
All of our donkeys, ponies and mule are available to adopt. You’ll receive an adoption pack to share – either print or digital. The pack includes regular updates from the sanctuary throughout the year. Adopting at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is the perfect way to bring a smile to someone’s face on Christmas Day, throughout the year and help us take care of our donkeys at the same time.
Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Hedgerow Gin  
Our bespoke gin is beautifully crafted and made with hand-picked botanicals. It’s a wonderful treat for Christmas time or any time of the year! Available in 50ml and 70cl bottles. Buy from our onsite shop or order online from the Isle of Wight Gin Company .

Winter Opening Times

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:41:51 GMT

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary winter opening hours 2025/26

We’re delighted to let you know that the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary will be open 7 days a week this winter.

From Monday 3 November 2025 to Friday 27 March 2026 , we will be open 10.30am to 3.00pm , with the last orders for hot food in the café at 2.30pm.

These slightly shorter winter hours will give us more time each day to focus on caring for our donkeys, ponies and mule, while still keeping the sanctuary open seven days a week to welcome visitors.

The sanctuary will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day . However, on Christmas Day our café will be open from 10.00am to noon, serving complimentary tea, coffee, mince pies, and a friendly chat. Please note that walkways and barns will not be accessible to the public on that day.

We look forward to welcoming everyone this winter!

We will return to our regular opening hours of 10.00am to 4.30pm, 7 days a week, from Saturday 28 March 2026, ahead of the Easter holidays.

October Half Term 2025

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 10:07:32 GMT

Pumpkin fun this half term at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Did you know our donkeys love pumpkins? They like eating them and they also love playing with them! This October half term, we’re celebrating the season with some pumpkin themed fun at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. Our sanctuary is open daily from 10am to 4.30pm with over 100 donkeys, ponies, a mule and a horse to meet, plus free entry and free parking .

�� 18 October to 2 November - Pumpkin Trail

Take part in our free Pumpkin Trail around the sanctuary. Pick up a sheet, find all the pumpkins hidden around the sanctuary and write down the name of our donkey who appears to have a spooky face on her side.

Pick up a form from the Welcome hub or Adoption hub, or from Monday 27 October our spooky Halloween Hub in the courtyard will be open.
Everyone who takes part will receive a sweet treat!

�� Monday 27 to Friday 31 October - Pumpkin carving competition

Enter our competition for the Best Carved Pumpkin and Best Dressed Carrot and give our donkeys their own Halloween treat. Winners in each category will receive a donkey adoption of their favourite donkey, pony or mule.

Carve your pumpkin or decorate your carrot at home then bring them into the sanctuary and drop them off at our Halloween Hub in the courtyard.
We’ll put them on display for the day, take a snap of them before giving them to our donkeys to munch. Please remember - our donkeys only like bare pumpkins and carrots - if they have candles inside or paint or things glued to them that we can't remove, they won't be able to eat them. We can still enjoy looking at them though!
On Friday 31 October, all entries will be judged from the photos with the winners announced on our Facebook page.

�� 18 October to 2 Novembe r - Free guided tours

Go behind the scenes at the sanctuary with a free guided tour daily at 11.30am. Advance booking online advised - limited availability on the day. Book via this link .

�� Café

Our café will be open daily from 10am to 4.30pm. Last hot food orders 4pm. We'll be serving butternut squash soup and spooky sweet treats! Free Halloween pumpkin colouring sheets available in the café .

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Dog Show

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 13:08:34 GMT

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Dog Show hosted by Wight Agility Group

Join us at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Dog Show on Sunday 21 September!

Grab your pooches and get ready for a tail-wagging good time at our fun dog show, hosted by the brilliant Wight Agility Group on Sunday 21 September from 1pm to 4pm .

Whether your dog is already a prize pooch or a softie who loves a fuss, there’s a class for everyone and plenty of rosettes to be won.

Before the show kicks off at 1pm, why not arrive early and spend the morning exploring the sanctuary? Meet our friendly donkeys, stroll through our beautiful site and visit our shop . Our café will be serving our regular menu of delicious food and treats for everyone. We'll make sure we're well stocked with dog ice cream!

Classes are:

Best mixed breed
Best pedigree
Best veteran
Best puppy - 3 to 12 months
Best buddies - child and dog
Best condition - short haired
Best condition - long haired
Waggiest tail
Prettiest bitch
Most handsome dog
Best rescue (includes rehoming)
Most like the owner - fancy dress encouraged!
Best trick

Entry is just £3 per class, £5 for two classes or £10 for four classes, payable by cash or card on the day.

Bring your dog, bring your family and enjoy a full day of fun, food, and furry friends with us.

Isle of Wight Gin will be providing tastings of our bespoke Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Hedgerow Gin from lunchtime.

Please note:

All well behaved, non reactive dogs welcome - it's going to be a busy day for dogs and humans!
Dogs must be kept on a lead please
We will have straw bales for people to sit on - please do not let your dog wee on these as we will use them for our donkeys after the show
We expect the road outside the sanctuary to be busy - there may be traffic delays

A very big thanks to Wight Agility Group for their support.

Summer at the sanctuary 2025

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:37:10 GMT

Make the most of the summer holidays at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

We’re open every day from 10am to 4:30pm – and it’s completely free to visit!

Summer has arrived, and if you're looking for a family day out, the sanctuary is the perfect place to add to your list.

Take a stroll along our walkways, pause on one of the many seating areas and take in the peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re watching the donkeys enjoying the sunshine or simply relaxing with a cup of tea or an ice cream, there’s plenty of space. Dogs are also very welcome, so they can come along for the adventure too!

This summer at the Sanctuary

We’ve got an exciting line-up of activities running throughout the school holidays:

Free daily guided tours
Join one of our behind-the-scenes tours, available daily at 11:30am . You’ll get a closer look at how we care for our donkeys and the stories behind their journey to the sanctuary. Some spaces are available to book on arrival, but to avoid disappointment, we recommend booking ahead .

Daily Q&A at 11am
Want to learn more about the donkeys? One of our friendly yard team members will be available every morning to answer your questions and share their insights.

Nature catch ups

Come along and meet other local nature organisations on Wednesdays over the summer. Pop up stands in the courtyard

6 August - Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust

20 August - Isle of Wight Badger Trust

27 August - RSPB Cancelled

3 September - Save our Hedgehogs Isle of Wight

Music in the Courtyard
Live music returns this summer with Community Music in the Courtyard 24 August . Enjoy a laid-back afternoon with performances from talented local musicians.

Diabetes testing for young people - The Elsa Study

Wednesday 13 August 10am to 3pm.
The team from the Elsa Study will be here testing young people ages 3 to 13 for type 1 diabetes as part of a research study. Register online in advance .

Find out about fostering

Friday 22 August

Come and meet Su from Five Rivers Child Care in the courtyard and find out more about fostering.

Sunny Turns 10! – Sunday 27 July
We’re throwing a party for our much loved donkey, Sunny who was born here. Join us for a day of fun and celebration, plus the exciting opening of Sunny's Sandpark enrichment area.

Add a little extra to your visit

Want to make your day even more special? Treat yourself to a delicious Afternoon Tea , or for a more hands-on experience, book one of our Donkey Experience sessions . You’ll learn about our day-to-day care routines and enjoy some one-on-one time with our donkeys.

There’s never been a better time to visit the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. With so much to see and do this summer, why not pop in and meet the donkeys? We’d love to see you – and so would they!

Ask ELVIS

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:53:00 GMT

Ask ELVIS – a new donkey identification app for the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

As visitors will know it can be tricky to identify our donkeys, especially when they are hanging out together in the paddock!

We’re delighted to say that the University of Southampton are currently developing a brand new A.I. app which will help our visitors identify which donkey is which. It’s still under development at the moment, but the project was recently featured on ITV Meridian and BBC news online.

You can also read more about the project on the University of Southampton’s website .

As you can see from the pictures, our donkeys were quite keen to get involved too!!

Image credit: Lucy Collie, The University of Southampton

What's on in May

Mon, 05 May 2025 14:42:24 GMT

What’s on this May at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Whether you're joining us for the half-term holidays, taking part in the Island's Walking Festival, hopping aboard a vintage bus during Rydabus weekend or marking World Donkey Day with us — there’s something for every visitor this May.

Have you played our brand new lottery launched this May? Find out more and play !

Half-Term: 24 May to 1 June

11.30am daily - Free guided tour . You’ll get exclusive behind-the-scenes access and the chance to chat with one of our yard managers in our feed room. Limited numbers, book online to secure your spot.
11am daily - join our yard team for a free Q&A session . They’ll be ready to answer your questions and share fascinating facts about donkeys and the amazing work they do. No booking required
11am and 1.30pm daily - Donkey Experience. Our two hour signature Donkey Experience is perfect for animals lovers aged 11 and over. Discover more and book on our website.

Part of the Isle of Wight Walking Festival: 10 to 11 May

We’ll be welcoming walkers as they explore our beautiful countryside surroundings on two walks that start and finish at the sanctuary during this year's Isle of Wight Walking Festival. The sanctuary is also a great place to stop, rest, and refuel.

Those taking part in any of the walks held during the walking festival can also enjoy a 10% discount in our café throughout the festival from the 10 to 18 May 2025. More details on our website.

Rydabus Weekend: 18 to 19 May

Step back in time with Rydabus . The sanctuary serves as a terminus and hub during the weekend, allowing you to park your car for free, enjoy the sanctuary, then hop on a vintage bus for a round trip. It's a fun way to see different parts of the Island

Community music in the courtyard: Sunday 18 May

Join us for some live music from local performers Ricky J, Wight Ukers and Marie Smith . Full details are on our website . Please remember that performances take place outdoors and may be cancelled at short notice if the weather is bad.

We look forward to seeing you!

Easter 2025 at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

abigail.fox@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 09:55:11 GMT

Celebrate the change of the seasons at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

We might be biased, but we think spring is a perfect time to visit the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary ! As the days get longer and the flowers start to bloom, there’s no better way to enjoy the season than spending time with our wonderful donkeys in our rural island home.

We're open every day!
We are back to seven day a week opening from 10am to 4.30pm until the end of September. Our café is open too, serving delicious food and drinks until 4:30pm. Last hot food orders are at 4pm. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or lunch on the terrace we'd love to see you.

Plenty to see and do for the whole family
Spring at the sanctuary is all about getting outdoors and enjoying everything our beautiful space has to offer. There's lots to enjoy:

Free Guided Tours. Get a behind-the-scenes look at sanctuary life and learn more about our beloved donkeys with an exclusive guided tour. Booking available in the shop.
Springtime walks. Immerse yourself in nature with a relaxing stroll around our wildlife meadow. Bring a picnic and soak up the peaceful surroundings of Whiteley Bank.
Our unique Donkey Experience. Get up close and personal with our donkeys! Feed, groom, walk, and even help with a bit of poo picking! Book our Donkey Experience online .
Delicious café treats. After time with our donkeys, why not enjoy a tasty lunch in our café? Why not try our popular Afternoon Tea for a special Easter treat.
Free Easter Egg Trail, 18 to 21 April. Join in the fun with our Easter Egg Hunt! Follow the trail around the sanctuary and pick up a sweet treat in the café.
Easter Sunday Music in the Courtyard, 20 April . Enjoy live performances from Wag Duo and Chris Mezza.
Easter shopping . Our shop is packed with Easter treats, books, souvenirs, and our own range of IOW Donkey Sanctuary t-shirts .

And of course all our wonderful donkeys and ponies are looking forward to seeing you - don't forget we have some new residents for you to meet!

If you're looking for the perfect way to celebrate spring, come and visit us at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. We can't wait to welcome you!

Pawsitive Animal Care Spring Fayre

Sun, 23 Mar 2025 12:00:35 GMT

We're excited to be hosting Pawsitive Animal Care's Spring Dog Fayre!

The event will take place 29 March, from 11am – 3pm.

There will be a dog show, live demonstrations and opportunities to have a go, animal-themed stalls, arts & crafts, and more.

It’s a perfect day out for animal lovers – whether you're entering your dog, enjoying the displays, or exploring the stalls. Plus, by coming along, you’ll be supporting the sanctuary and the care we provide for our donkeys.

During this event day the sanctuary will be open and run as usual, with the exception of a menu change in our café. On 29 March we will have an event day menu, which you can view here.

We hope to see you there!

For any further info and queries, please contact Pawsitive Animal Care.

You can find out more on their Facebook event page.

The Search for Donkey Paradise

Tue, 25 Feb 2025 14:32:54 GMT

The Search for Donkey Paradise is now in our Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary shop.

We’ve recently started stocking a brand-new children’s book written by award-winning author David Goodday in our shop.

David found the inspiration to write The Search for Donkey Paradise following a visit to our sanctuary in 2023 when we were running our Equine Treatment Centre appeal.

David's grandson, Lucas, asked if his grandad could write a story to help raise funds and David set about the task.

David’s story

The story begins when a small hedgehog enters one of the paddocks and tells the donkeys of a place where everything that donkeys like to eat can be found. That night five of the donkeys set off in search of what they called donkey paradise.

On their way they encounter danger and uncertainty. When they finally reach their destination, they are shocked by what they find.

Inspired by the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

The hedgehog character Steve was inspired by a cuddly toy that Lucas won as a prize from the tombola during that visit. Most of the donkeys named in the book were Lucas’ favourites.

Once the story had been written, David asked Island based artist called Hilary Love to produce the illustrations for the book.

Published by Ginger Fyre Press, all profits from the sale of the book are very generously donated to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.

Buy The Search for Donkey Paradise

We are delighted to be selling the book in the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary onsite shop.

You can also buy a copy directly from the publishers.

Read more about the author David Goodday on his website .

Lonely Hearts

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Adopt a donkey this Valentine’s Day and share the love

Could you open your heart to a special relationship this Valentine’s Day? Meet China, Leighton, Phoenix and Ryan, our least adopted animals, looking for love and companionship.

Start a new long-term relationship today and support our sanctuary by adopting one of these special animals this Valentine’s Day!

Take a look below and discover all our Valentine Lonely Hearts.

China

Sensitive China is searching for caring souls who can offer her the long-term commitment she truly deserves.

Likes:

Paddock-side talks
Socialising with the herd
Choirs

Dislikes:

Missing out on attention
Interrupted relaxation time
Rainy weather

Age: 12

Herd: Fresh Air Donkeys

Leighton

Fun loving Leighton dreams of finding companions to cosy up to for those cute selfie moments.

Likes:

Posing for photos
Getting up to mischief
Long walks along the beach

Dislikes:

Not being the centre of attention
Serious conversations
Welsh jokes

Age: 7

Herd: Jacks

Phoenix

Fiery Phoenix the mule is seeking strong-minded friends who can match her spirited and lively personality.

Likes:

Playing tag; she always wins
Words of affirmation
Grooming

Dislikes:

Stubbornness
Being least adopted
Bad hair days

Age: 5

Herd: Fresh Air Ponies

Ryan

Our charming poster boy Ryan is on the hunt for anyone who can match his handsome good looks.

Likes:

Admiring his photo on the horsebox
People watching
Good hair days

Dislikes:

Not being included
Being rushed
Windy days

Age: 11

Herd: Jacks

Adopting a donkey is a unique way to celebrate love while supporting their care and well-being. When you adopt, you’ll receive updates about your chosen donkey, including photos and stories about their life at the sanctuary. It’s a perfect gift for yourself or a loved one this Valentine’s Day and a heartfelt way to show you care.

Coming to visit the donkey you love in Valentine’s week? Don’t forget to book our special Valentine’s Afternoon Tea.

Equine Treatment Centre

abigail.fox@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 15:12:28 GMT

In late 2022, we started fundraising to establish an equine clinic at the sanctuary. Thanks to your generosity, we raised £125,000 from the initial campaign. This is ringfenced to spend on the Equine Treatment Centre.

In the summer of 2023, we paused fundraising and undertook a separate feasibility study, using the generous free support of a civil engineer. We used this opportunity to make sure our build plans were making the very best use of your donations and the funds we had raised.

We’ve tweaked the initial plan and have planning permission to undertake a project that will greatly support our high standards of equine welfare. We plan to:

Repurpose an existing structure to house the Equine Treatment Centre thus reducing construction costs.
Construct an equine rehabilitation barn on the site originally intended for the clinic.
Create an isolation barn at the site’s perimeter. This will mean we can provide the very best care for equines needing isolation for medical treatment or observation.

We will focus first on building the new barns, then move on to repurposing existing structures into our Equine Treatment Centre.

The work cannot start until spring at the earliest, when we hope the ground will have dried out and the machinery will be able to move around the site. We need to make sure our precious paddocks are well looked after while the building work takes place.

Christmas at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 08:51:15 GMT

Celebrating the festive season with the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Festive Weekend - cancelled

Unfortunately we’ve had to make the tough decision to cancel our Festive Weekend planned for 14 and 15 December. We are so disappointed to have to cancel another event, but we’re planning to make up for it in 2025!

We’ll still be open 10am to 4.30pm next weekend Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December. Please do come along and support the sanctuary. All of us; donkeys, ponies and people alike would love to see you.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Companionship on Christmas Day

Our café will be open 10am to 12pm, Wednesday 25 December for tea, coffee and mince pies. Please come and join us for a chat and companionship on Christmas morning. The sanctuary itself will not be open, so there will be no access to our donkeys.

Christmas and New Year 2024 opening times

Please note we will be closed to visitors on 25, 26, 27 December 2024 and 1, 2, 3 January 2025. We will be closing at 3pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve to give our teams some more time with family and friends.

Christmas gifts from the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

We have a range of delightful gifts to choose from plus buying from us means you’ll be supporting our donkeys at the same time.

We have some lovely things in our online shop , plus don’t forget our gifts that are unique to the sanctuary:

A gift voucher for our Donkey Experience
An unforgettable 2 hours spent with our staff and donkeys. Perfect for animal lovers who really want to get a good understanding of how we care for our animals and join our team to help out. This is a unique gift that will create long lasting memories.

Adopt a Donkey – Adopt one of our lovely donkeys and receive an adoption pack including regular updates and photos. It’s the perfect way to support our sanctuary and bring a smile to someone’s face on Christmas Day.

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Hedgerow Gin. Our bespoke gin is beautifully crafted gin and made with hand-picked botanicals. It’s the perfect treat for the gin lover in your life. Available in 50ml and 70cl bottles. Buy in our onsite shop or order online direct from the producers: Hedgerow Gin | Island Spirits (isleofwightgin.com)

Donkey in the photo: Hovis.

October half term at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Sun, 22 Sep 2024 08:09:36 GMT

October half term at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

This October half term, things are getting a little spooky at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary! Pick up our free Halloween Trail when you arrive and keep an eye out for pictures of ghosts all around the sanctuary – you’ll find 8 in total. Put the letters together and discover the mystery word – clue: it’s donkey and Halloween related!

Our signature Donkey Experience is available every day all year except Thursdays and Fridays. It’s the most fantastic opportunity to become an honorary member of our team for a couple of hours. You’ll learn about how we care for our animals and help our staff as they go about their day-to-day duties. You could do find yourself doing anything from grooming to picking up poo! It’s a real ‘behind the scenes’ experience.
Advance bookings only (48hrs notice required). Ages 11 years and over. £50 per person.

Take a walk when you’re with us. Nestled in 55 acres of picturesque Isle of Wight countryside in the Wroxall valley, our sanctuary has lots of lovely walks onsite, including a tranquil meadow walk and our newly opened Whiteley Bank paddock area, which has the perfect spot for a picnic on a sunny autumn day. From the sanctuary it’s a couple of miles walk over footpaths to the quaint village of Godshill. If you’re feeling energetic you can turn that stroll into circular walk and come back to the sanctuary via historic Appuldurcombe House for a hot chocolate with all the trimmings and slice of cake in the cafe.

Until 3 November we are open 7 days a week from 10am to 4.30pm with over 100 donkeys, miniature Shetland ponies and a mule just waiting to meet you. We love all animals, and dogs on leads are very welcome to visit too. We offer free entry and free parking.

Please note, from Monday 4 November we will be closed to visitors on Thursdays and Fridays.

Sanctuary Update

Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:44:16 GMT

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary launches new 5-day opening plan to prioritise donkey welfare

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, a long-standing part of the local community, will be launching a new 5-day-a-week opening schedule from 4 November, designed to further enhance the welfare of its donkeys.

Currently open 7 days a week, the sanctuary will now close to visitors on Thursdays and Fridays. These quiet days will allow staff to dedicate more time for health checks, personalised care and enrichment while providing the donkeys with extended periods of rest and stress-free grazing.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish the charity as a centre of excellence in donkey welfare. Over the past year the sanctuary has invested significantly in welfare-focused improvements, including the creation of new paddocks, enhanced shelter conditions, a refurbished care area for donkeys in need of extra attention, and additional training for staff in advanced equine welfare techniques. With many equine residents being elderly or in palliative care, these improvements are vital to ensuring their well-being and comfort.

These improvements have already made a marked difference, with the animals benefiting from better health outcomes. A recent independent EARS (Equid Assessment Research and Scoping) report, conducted by The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth – a global leader in equine welfare - praised the advancements made at the sanctuary, noting improved hoof health, reduced lice infestations, and more relaxed, positive interactions among the donkeys. This new opening schedule will ensure that the sanctuary continues to build on these improvements, providing the best possible care for donkeys and ponies.

New opportunities for community engagement

The quieter days will also allow the sanctuary to strengthen its community engagement programme by hosting small groups, such as dementia care groups, who benefit from a more peaceful environment. This will allow the sanctuary to broaden its outreach and deepen its positive impact on the community.

Susan McCall, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, said:
“We’re incredibly proud of the steps we’ve taken to further enhance our donkeys' welfare. We love seeing visitors enjoy the sanctuary and we also recognise the importance of protecting the well-being of our animals. It’s vital that we balance our commitment to welcoming the public with the need to prioritise the peace and care our donkeys need for a happy, healthy life.”

Dawn Finney, Chair of the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, added:
“On behalf of the trustees, I want to thank everyone who supports the sanctuary - from our wonderful visitors to our hardworking staff, volunteers, our fundraisers and donors. We’re thrilled to be moving towards a sustainable future where both our animals and the community can continue to thrive.”

About the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

For nearly 40 years, the much-loved sanctuary, based in Wroxall, has been caring for rescued donkeys, mules and ponies. It welcomes over 120,000 visitors each year and remains a cherished destination on the Isle of Wight, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about and engage with the sanctuary’s beloved equines, while experiencing the joy of supporting a cause devoted to animal welfare.

Join us for the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Autumn Fete

abigail.fox@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:06:53 GMT

Autumn Fete update

We are very sorry, but due to the very heavy rain forecast over the next few days, we have made the sad decision to cancel our Autumn Fete on this Sunday 8 September.

For large events we use our precious paddocks for car parking. We cannot risk damaging our vital winter grazing paddocks which we rely on during the colder months.

Thank you for all your support – we’re so disappointed to have to cancel.

Date: Sunday, 8 September

Time: 11am to 3:30pm

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary’s Autumn Fete is a fun-filled day out for all the family including four legged members! Our arena will host displays throughout the day, including our grand finale Dog Show.

Outside of the arena you’ll find a wide variety of stalls, Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Hedgerow Gin tasting, live music in the courtyard and horse and carriage rides. Our café will be open, serving up delicious treats to keep you fuelled throughout the day. Don't forget to visit our shop, offering a range of unique gifts for all ages including our 2025 calendar, and dare we say it…Christmas cards and gifts!

Our adoption hub will also be open, so if you’re thinking about welcoming a new member of the family, come along and chat to our friendly team. Every adoption on the day will get a free Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Souvenir Guide.

Our Autumn Fete is free to enter! Come and stroll through the sanctuary, meet our herds, and learn about our mission to provide refuge and care for donkeys and other equines in need. All donations and profits on the day will go towards the care of our much-loved animals.

Arena running order

Please note all timings are approximate and may change.

11am Welcome from our chief executive Susan McCall

11.05am to 11.25am Meet our mini Shetlands. Find out more about our gorgeous gang of mini Shetland ponies and discover how we care for them.

11.30am to 12pm TrackaDog demonstration. Discover how this fantastic local voluntary organisation helps find missing pets on the Island.
11.30am to 1.30pm bring your dog along for some tracking training.

12.15pm to 12.30pm Meet our donkeys. Join a member of our yard team as they introduce some of our donkeys and tell you all about our enriching donkey therapy visits.

12.45pm to 1.15pm A display of dancing with the Rainbow Group from Starlight Academy.

1.30pm to 2.00pm Resident sheep display. Find out all about the sheep we have at the sanctuary.

2.00pm to 3.30pm Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Dog Show
All dogs welcome – there’s a class for everyone to enter, so please do bring your pooch along!

£2.50 entry per class on the day.

Classes:

Prettiest bitch
Most handsome dog
Best puppy (age 1 and under)
Golden oldie (age 7 and over)
Waggiest tail
Dog that looks most like its owner
Best in Show (wins a donkey adoption)

3.30pm Thank you and goodbye.

Save the date!

We can't wait to welcome you to our Autumn Fete on Sunday, 8 September, for a day filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of donkeys! See you there.

Afternoon Tea at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Sun, 01 Sep 2024 14:49:32 GMT

Afternoon Tea at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Book an afternoon tea with us today… pop your fancy socks on under your wellies and join us for a selection of homemade treats and sandwiches in our converted barn before spending time in nature with our equine friends.

Our afternoon teas include:

Finger sandwiches
Savoury treat
Cakes
Scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream

As well as our standard afternoon teas we can also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options to suit your needs.

To book, contact us on 01983 852693 and press option 2.

Please also let us know of any allergies we need to be aware of when booking.
We need 48hrs notice for each booking, and afternoon teas cost £21.95 per person.

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Hedgerow Gin

abigail.fox@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 11:32:06 GMT

Our exclusive hedgerow gin

Our delicious bespoke gin is now available for purchase in our gift shop at the sanctuary and online from the Isle of Wight Gin Company website .

Brand new for 2024 and handcrafted on the Island with local botanicals, our delicious Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Hedgerow Gin has been created with the aim of capturing the rural essence of our sanctuary.

Inspired by the Donkey Sanctuary's hedgerows

Inspired by the hedgerows where our donkeys browse and distilled by award-winning Isle of Wight Gin Company, our gin is infused with tastes of blackberry, hawthorn, elderberry, meadowsweet, apple and rosehip.

Perfect for any gin enthusiast, each purchase of our refreshing and aromatic Hedgerow Gin supports our mission to provide loving care for our much loved donkeys, ponies and mules.

Our hedgerow gin is perfect with tonic water, simply over ice or how about trying a Hedgerow cocktail by adding apple, blackberries and elderflower cordial.

Buy your gin online on the Isle of Wight Gin Company's website or pop into our shop, open 7 days a week, 10am to 4.30pm.

Terms and conditions

Our gin retails for £42 a 70cl bottle. Miniatures are £7 a bottle in our shop and online.
Postage and packing when bought from the Isle of Wight Gin Company website is £5 for 2 ^nd class delivery or £5.99 for first class delivery. Free postage and packing on all orders over £80.

Funding from Petplan

Sun, 25 Aug 2024 10:51:52 GMT

We are thrilled to announce that we have been awarded £10,000 from Petplan .

This generous funding will go towards the building of new field shelters as we develop the sanctuary and create more paddocks on our land. Field shelters are vital to have in each paddock as they provide shelter from the elements. This means our animals can shelter from the sun in hot conditions, find relief from the wind, and importantly, keep dry out of the rain. Donkeys’ coats do not contain the same oils that horses do, so when they get wet the water does not run off, but soaks in. If donkeys get wet and cold it can then lead to illness.

Take a look at Petplan's website or social media pages for more great work they are helping to fund.

Summer activities at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

abigail.fox@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 14:41:16 GMT

Summer fun at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary!

Join us for a summer filled with exciting activities at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary from July 27 to August 31 2024.

Whether you're a devoted donkey lover or just seeking a fun day out, we have something for everyone, every day of the week.

Our daily summer activities

Donkey Experiences:

Our favourite activity - a chance for you to get fully immersed at life at the donkey sanctuary for a couple of hours. This really is something special!
You'll be with a member of our dedicated and expert team for a unique behind-the-scenes experience of our sanctuary. Find out how we care for our animals, take care of a donkey yourself right down to mucking out or picking up poo!

Read a review from May 2024:

"I had a wonderful experience being hands on with feeding, mucking out, grooming and walking the donkeys. Sam was a superb mentor during my time there and I learned so much about the charity and the donkeys themselves. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and would highly recommend it."

The Isle of Wight Donkey Experience is available twice a day all year round at 11am and 1.30pm. Please book at least 72 hours in advance. We take reservations and check with our yard team before confirming your booking. Reserve your place online .

Meet Our Donkeys Tours:

Twice a day, at 11.30am and 1.30pm you can join our free tours to learn about our sanctuary and hear stories about our lovely donkeys and ponies. The tours are always very popular, please book your tour in advance on our website .

Extra summer activities

Pamper a Donkey:

Learn how we care for our donkeys and enjoy the chance to pamper them, cuddle them and get up close! This 50 minute session is available on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays and 11am and 1.30pm plus an extra session at 2.30pm on a Monday only. Book your session online .

Pamper a Shetland Pony:

Discover how we care for our super Shetland ponies and get hands-on with pampering them, including their lovely long manes and forelocks! Available on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 1.30pm. Book your session online .

Donkey Grooming Sessions:

A brilliant opportunity to spend 15 minutes giving one of our donkeys a groom; help make them look their best while enjoying plenty of cuddles. Available on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Book your grooming session online .

Picnic Meadow Storytime:

Relax in our Picnic Meadow this summer and meet Rosie Button and Kangarillapig! They’ll be here for 30 minutes of storytime, singing and dancing every Wednesday from July 31 to August 28 at 11am and 1pm.

Free activity - weather dependent.

Find out more about what's on and all our activities. Don't forget Music in the Courtyard most weekends.

Adopter pack prize draw

abigail.fox@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 16:36:49 GMT

Share your art

If you've adopted one of our lovely donkeys since the end of May 2024 you'll know that we've made some changes to our the information we give you when you adopt.

We now have a pack just for under 12 year olds and there's some space in it for your art work. Maybe you'd like to draw a picture of your donkey, or a picture of your visit to our sanctuary? It can be anything as long as it's related to donkeys, ponies or the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.

Ask an adult to take a photo or scan in your artwork and send it to us. We're running a prize draw win an Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary t shirt. Terms and conditions below.

We've got 5 t shirts up for grabs - the closing date for this years Adopter Pack Prize Draw is 31 December 2024.

Please send your pictures to: adopt@iowdonkeysanctuary.org .

Good luck!

Prize draw terms and conditions

Terms and conditions for the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Adopter Pack Prize Draw

1. Our prize draw is organised by The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary (known as IOW Donkey Sanctuary), Lower Winstone Farm, Wroxall, PO38 3AA, registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under number 1159886.

How to enter

2. Entries received after the stated closing date 31 December 2024 will not be accepted.

3. Our prize draw is free to enter.

4. The IOW Donkey Sanctuary will not accept responsibility for entries that are lost, mislaid, damaged or delayed in transit, regardless of cause, including, for example, as a result of any postal failure, equipment failure, technical malfunction, systems, satellite, network, server, computer hardware or software failure of any kind.

5. By submitting an entry, you are agreeing to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you have any questions, please contact: adopt@iowdonkeysanctuary.org .

6. The IOW Donkey Sanctuary reserves the right to refuse entry or refuse to award the prize to anyone in breach of these terms and conditions.

Eligibility

7. Unless otherwise stated, our prize draws and competitions are open to all except employees of The IOW Donkey Sanctuary, their families, agents or any third party directly associated with administration of the prize draw.

8. Entrants under 18 must get consent from their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) before entering. The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of entrants under 18 agree to these Terms and Conditions on behalf of the entrant.

9. Only one entry per person is permitted.

10. In entering, you confirm that you are eligible to do so and eligible to claim any prize you may win. The IOW Donkey Sanctuary may require you to provide proof that you are eligible to enter the draw.

11. The IOW Donkey Sanctuary reserves all rights to disqualify you if your conduct is contrary to the spirit or intention of the draw.

The Draw

12. A winner will be chosen by random draw performed by a member of staff at The IOW Donkey Sanctuary within one month of the closing dates.

13. The winner will receive details of the prize.

14. The winner will be notified by email (using details provided at entry) within 7 days of being chosen and must provide a postal address to claim their prize. If a winner does not respond to the IOW Donkey Sanctuary within 14 days of being notified, then the winner’s prize will be forfeited and the IOW Donkey Sanctuary will be entitled to select another winner in accordance with the process described above.

15. The prize will be sent to the winner within 14 days of responding to the IOW Donkey Sanctuary

16. The prize is non-exchangeable, non-transferable and no cash alternative is offered. The IOW Donkey Sanctuary reserves the right to replace the prize with an alternative prize of equal or higher value if circumstances beyond the IOW Donkey Sanctuary’s control makes it necessary to do so.

17. The decision of the IOW Donkey Sanctuary regarding any aspect of the prize draw or competition is final and binding and no correspondence will be entered into about it.

18. The winner’s name and county can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope to The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, Lower Winstone Farm, Wroxall, PO38 3AA, or an email to adopt@iowdonkeysanctuary.org . within 60 of days after the date of the closing date of the prize draw or competition.

19. The IOW Donkey Sanctuary reserves the right to hold void, cancel, suspend, or amend the promotion where it becomes necessary to do so.

Limitation of liability

20. Insofar as is permitted by law, the IOW Donkey Sanctuary, its agents or distributors will not in any circumstances be responsible or liable to compensate the winner or accept any liability for any loss, damage, personal injury or death occurring as a result of taking up the prize except where it is caused by the negligence of the IOW Donkey Sanctuary, its agents or distributors or that of their employees. Your statutory rights are not affected.

Data protection and publicity

21. The IOW Donkey Sanctuary is committed to protecting and respecting your privacy and will only use your personal information in accordance with these Terms and Conditions and the IOW Donkey Sanctuary’s Privacy Policy which you can read on our website .

22. By entering, you agree that any personal information provided by you with your entry may be held and used by the IOW Donkey Sanctuary or its agents and suppliers to administer the competition.

Governing law

23. This prize draw will be governed by English law and entrants to the prize draw submit to the jurisdiction of the English courts.

24. The IOW Donkey Sanctuary reserves the right to update these Terms and Conditions from time to time and any updated version will be effective as soon as it is published on the website.

May Half Term 2024

Wed, 08 May 2024 10:20:44 GMT

Exciting Half Term adventures await at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary from 25th May to 1st June ��

Looking for family fun this half term? Look no further than the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary! �� We offer free parking and it’s free to get in. You can enjoy free guided tours daily during the holidays and we have over 100 adorable animals for you to meet! ��

We will be open everyday 10am to 4:30pm, and have plenty of fun activities to do:

• Free 30 minute Meet our Donkeys guided tours each day

• Donkey grooming - Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, £10

• Pamper a donkey or a Shetland pony - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, £25

• Donkey Experience - Every day, £40 (please book 72 hours in advance)

Full details and times are available now and can be booked on our website.

Plus don’t forget it’s Music in the Courtyard on the 25th & 26th May notes. Make the most of the bank holiday weekend with delicious food and drink from our café and courtyard caravan. ☕��

World Donkey Day 2024

Wed, 08 May 2024 08:21:02 GMT

Empowering Change: The role of donkeys on World Donkey Day

World Donkey Day, observed annually on May 8th, is a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of donkeys worldwide. These hardworking animals have long been essential partners in agriculture, transportation, and therapy, but recent developments highlight their significance in promoting social change, particularly concerning women's empowerment.

Since 1987 we have given a loving home to over 250 donkeys, and we pride ourselves on the level of welfare we are able to provide to all our animals. We continue to grow and develop both the charity and the site itself to improve the lives of our gorgeous companions.

A notable recent achievement in donkey welfare is the collaboration among 55 African nations to ban donkey slaughter for their skin. This crucial step protects donkeys from exploitation and underscores their value beyond commercial interests.

Funded research by The Donkey Sanctuary (www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk) showcases the transformative impact of donkeys on communities, especially for women in rural areas. Donkeys reduce the burden of time-consuming tasks like water collection and goods transportation, which in turn increases school attendance for girls, improving maternal health, and creating economic opportunities.

We are so grateful for the work that donkeys do. It’s a privilege to provide them with a caring and loving home when they need it.

To support our work please go to: Donate | Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary (iowdonkeysanctuary.org)

Spring raffle

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 11:57:24 GMT

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Spring Raffle

Take part in our spring raffle and be in with a chance to win some amazing prizes including:

A hamper of delicious local Isle of Wight produce
A Red Funnel day return vehicle ferry crossing for up to 7 people**
£50 voucher for travel on any Wightlink services**
A voucher for Kitchen at London House, Ventnor**
A Donkey Experience for 2 people with us and our donkeys!**
A voucher for Crave Ice Cream**
Mermaid Gin and Rum
A family pass for Blackgang Chine**
A family of 4 pass for Wildheart Animal Sanctuary**
Luxurious Liz Earle Gift Bag
A meal for two with a bottle of wine at the Waterfront restaurant, Totland Bay **

**prizes can be posted.

How to enter:

Online: Enter via our Crowdfunder raffle .
On-site: a limited number of tickets are available at the sanctuary. Pop into our Café and speak anyone at our Adoption Hub. Tickets are £1 each or £5 for a book of 5.
Card or cash payments are accepted.

The draw will take place on Sunday 5 May at 3 pm at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. Winners will be notified by telephone or email as soon as possible after the draw.

Charity number: 1159886

Job Vacancy - COO

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:40:59 GMT

Job Vacancy for a Chief Operating Officer

We are in search of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) adept at turning strategic visions into operational realities. The COO will oversee daily operations throughout the sanctuary, ensuring excellence in health and safety practices, and fostering high team performance and growth. As a key partner to the CEO, this role demands a leader skilled in operational management and strategy implementation, preferably with experience in the third sector and a deep commitment to animal welfare.

Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent.

Objectives of the role

1. Strategic implementation and operational leadership - working in close partnership with the CEO to integrate strategic objectives into the organisation's day-to-day operations. This will include focusing on enhancing process efficiency, ensuring operational excellence and maintaining budgetary controlconnected to operational issues.

2. Developing high performing teams – driving team excellence through targeted recruitment, comprehensive onboarding, ongoing professional development, and robust performance management strategies, ensuring team cohesion and high retention rates

3. Ensuring regulatory compliance and safety - maintaining rigorous adherence to all relevant charity and health & safety regulations, proactively ensuring a safe environment for staff, volunteers, visitors and our equines.

4. Fostering a supportive culture - creating a work environment where commitment to our sanctuary's values and alignment with our vision and mission inspire and unite our teams.

5. Acting as a deputy for the CEO - representing the charity and making decisions in the CEO’s absence, ensuring leadership continuity and organisational stability.

Responsibilities include:

• Evaluating internal operations to identify and implement efficiency improvements

• Developing and implementing policies (in collaboration with the CEO and Trustees) that support the sanctuary's goals and ensure operational alignment.

• Overseeing daily operations across the estate, including visitor facilities, barn and paddock maintenance, and health and safety compliance, ensuring a safe environment for staff, volunteers, visitors and equines.

• Directly overseeing the performance of our teams in Visitor Experience, Volunteering, Estates and Facilities, ensuring these areas not only operate efficiently but also focus on creating exceptional experiences for visitors and volunteers. This includes working closely with HR to foster successful recruitment, professional development, and other HR initiatives to build and sustain high-performing teams.

• Ensuring the sanctuary is ready and welcoming for visitors each day, effectively monitored and managed throughout the day and securely closed at night

• Health and safety leadership - spearheading safety initiatives and training a skilled team in safety protocols, ensuring a secure and safe environment for staff, volunteers, visitors and over 130 donkeys and ponies. The COO will work closely with the Head of Facilities and Estates Supervisor to enforce health and safety policies, address safety issues, as well as ensuring readiness and responsiveness for critical incidents, including fire and medical emergencies.

• Serving as the deputy for the CEO, including leading the sanctuary in the CEO’s absence, making critical decisions, and managing external relationships.

Required skills and Experience

• A strong ethical commitment to animal welfare, demonstrated through previous work or personal advocacy, with the desire to make a positive impact in the community and beyond.

• A track record of managing operations effectively, demonstrating the ability to oversee day-to-day activities

• Proven experience in translating strategy into actionable plans

• Proven effectiveness in managing diverse teams and working with volunteers, highlighting the ability to engage and inspire a wide range of contributors towards common goals.

• Experience in budgeting, data analysis and using performance metrics to guide decisions.

• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and the agility to respond to unforeseen challenges, particularly in animal welfare contexts.

• A collaborative approach to working with key stakeholders, including the CEO, to ensure alignment with the organisation's goals.

Desirable:

• Experience within a non-profit organisation and familiarity with the regulatory environment specific to the charity sector, including health & safety standards and compliance.

To learn more and apply, please visit the listing on isleofwightjobs.com here.

Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival 2024

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 10:29:24 GMT

Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival

We’re delighted that the Isle of Wight Walking Festival is back this spring from 11 to 19 May 2024. It’s such a great opportunity to get out and see different parts of the Island with knowledgeable local people – it’s a real community event.

We’re thrilled that a member of our own Donkey Sanctuary community Linda is running a couple of walks during the Isle of Wight Walking Festival: Tiptoe through the Bluebells on the 12 May and Strolling around the Donkey Sanctuary and Godshill on the 17 May. They are both filling up quickly, so early booking advised!

Nestled in 55 acres of serene Isle of Wight countryside, our Sanctuary is home to over 100 donkeys, ponies, and mules. Throughout the spring Isle of Wight Walking Festival we’re inviting walkers to visit the Sanctuary, meet our herds and enjoy a wander around our site. We’re open 7 days a week from 10am to 4.30pm. We offer free entry and free parking – with several footpaths and a bridleway leading from our land we’re a great place to start and end a walk. We also welcome well behaved dogs on leads to the Sanctuary. The number 3 and Island Coaster buses stop right outside our gates.

Our award-winning café is open daily from 10 am to 4pm, serving a range of delicious baguettes to go, fabulous cakes, hot food and more. During the walking festival we’re offering all participants a 10% discount* on food and drink in our café. Why not treat yourself to a bacon bap before you leave and a post-walk cream tea! Gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options available.

To take advantage of the 10% discount, just show a reservation for any Spring Isle of Wight Walking Festival walk when you pay.

*Offer valid only during the Isle of Wight Walking Festival, May 11 to 19, 2024 and is not available on our afternoon tea.

Rydabus 2024

Sun, 31 Mar 2024 09:56:05 GMT

Rydabus 2024

Save the date

Join us on 18 and 19 May for Rydabus 2024 . Experience the nostalgia of beautiful vintage buses and enjoy a day of live music and donkey activities at the Sanctuary.

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary will be a terminus for Rydabus, offering free parking and free entry. Dogs are very welcome at the Sanctuary.

Transport back in time

Go back in time! Hop aboard vintage buses for a nostalgic journey around the Island and discover the Isle of Wight's rich heritage from a unique vantage point.

Café comforts

Start your day the right way with breakfast snacks including bacon rolls and egg mayo flatbreads and hot drinks at our café , open from 8:30am onwards.

Fuel up before your adventure with freshly brewed coffee and a bacon roll or take a round trip back to the Sanctuary and finish off the day with a delicious cake. Or if you really want to treat yourselves, you can book an indulgent afternoon tea. Afternoon teas need to be booked at least 48 hours in advance by giving us a call on 01983 852693 and selecting option 2.

Donkey grooming

Along with all our donkeys, ponies, and mule to meet, there’s the chance to take part in donkey grooming between:
10:30am – 12:30pm

1:30pm – 3:30pm
Please book online in advance, or on the day, subject to availability.

We’ll also have live music in the courtyard with The Tuesdayz on Saturday, and The Boogie Woogie Sisters and Melodic Choir on Sunday to enjoy, starting from 11am each day.

Adopting our donkeys, mules, and ponies

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 13:07:46 GMT

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 .

Miracle in a stable

Sun, 10 Dec 2023 14:01:18 GMT

In September the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary welcomed two new donkeys, Theo and Noah. However, poor Theo was extremely ill and had been diagnosed with colic. He had received veterinary care with his previous owners but was quickly deteriorating. Needing urgent surgery, The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary agreed to take Theo and his companion Noah into their care.

With no equine hospital on the Isle of Wight, Theo and his best friend Noah, made the trip by ferry to the mainland for emergency surgery.

During surgery one foot of Theo’s intestine was removed. He was desperately ill and needed a plasma transfusion.

Proving that everyone, including the donkeys, at the Sanctuary will go above and beyond to care for their animals, three strong young geldings Major, Thomas and Eiffion donated blood. Staff raced to get catch the ferry to the mainland and get the blood to Theo as quickly as possible.

The next day however, Theo went downhill and another emergency operation was deemed necessary, this time part of his colon was removed, and he was fighting for his life.
With more blood transfusions needed the staff at Wroxall took geldings Leighton and Trevor over to the Equine Hospital on the mainland as quickly as they could.

To everyone’s relief, the second operation and blood transfusion was a huge success.

After a period of rest at the Equine Hospital, Theo and Noah returned to the Island where Theo has been slowly building his strength. His recovery will be a long process, but alongside his best friend Noah, these two will be cared for at the Sanctuary for their rest of their lives.

The Sanctuary are so impressed with Theo’s outstanding recovery that they are happy to announce that both Theo and Noah are now available to adopt!

Susan McCall, Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary CEO said.

"Theo really is our own miracle in a stable. He was gravely ill, but we knew we needed to give him every chance to survive. The staff at the Sanctuary have been outstanding in their care and attention and we can’t thank the team and Vectis Vets and Liphook Equine Hospital enough.
With everyone, including the donkeys, working together Theo has made a miraculous recovery to the point where I’m thrilled to say he is now available to adopt”

She continues - “Adoptions are the backbone of the Sanctuary’s fundraising. Supporters who adopt our animals ensure they can receive the love and attention they need to live a happy and healthy life. It's not only Theo and Noah available to adopt, each of the hero donkey’s that helped with Theo’s miraculous recovery, as well as 100 other unique animals, can be adopted too!”

Adoptions start at just £25 and include an adoption certificate, a special biography all about your chosen donkey as well as additional images. Adopters also receive a special newsletter twice a year full to the brim with Sanctuary information.

More details of Theo and Noah’s brave story can be found at: www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org/news/theo-noah

To adopt Theo, Noah or any of the other animals living at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary visit:
www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org/meet-the-donkeys

Theo & Noah

Sun, 17 Sep 2023 09:00:01 GMT

Theo & Noah

Theo & NoahTheo & Noah came into our care a couple of weeks ago, when it was discovered that Theo was extremely ill and had been diagnosed with colic. Theo had received veterinary care with his previous owners, but was quickly deteriorating, needed urgent surgery and so they signed them over into our care.

Almost immediately, Theo was transported to Liphook Equine Hospital to undergo surgical treatment. His best friend, Noah accompanied him and has been at Theo’s side throughout his treatment.

Theo needed emergency treatment and during his first operation, our vets were able to see that Theo’s intestine had been severely damaged and around 1 foot of intestine had to be removed. Poor Theo was desperately ill and needed a plasma transfusion.

Our team, quickly organised blood transfusion procedures and the next day, 3 of our young, strong geldings Major, Thomas and Eiffion donated blood, facilitated by our local vet. The blood then had to be transported over to Liphook hospital and Sammy, one of our fantastic farm team members, drove this blood over so that Theo could have the transfusion within the shortest possible time, giving him the best chance of surviving his major operation.

The transfusion made a huge difference to Theo and he became brighter and felt able to stand and move around his stable, quietly. All the time, watched over, by his best friend, Noah.

The next day however, little Theo became less bright and he was going downhill pretty quickly. David our outstanding vet at Liphook, decided Theo needed another operation to see how the intestine was coping with the previous operation. During this operation, it became apparent Theo needed to have part of his colon removed and as he was deemed strong enough for this procedure our vet carried out this further operation. After another major operation, Theo literally was fighting for his life. Luckily, he’s a fighter and together with the veterinary team, Theo survived this second operation and to give him the best chance of recovery another blood transfusion was needed.

Again, time was crucial and we needed to get blood to Theo for his transfusion. Another two selfless team members, Farm Manager, Chloe, and Estate Manager, Nick, along with donkeys Leighton and Trevor made their way over on another ferry journey to donate blood and potentially save the life of Theo.

Both donkeys did a great job, as did our team members and the team at Liphook and within a few hours, everyone safely arrived at Liphook Hospital. Our team members headed back to the Island, leaving Trevor and Leighton to donate blood the next morning. The team at Liphook said they even got to enjoy Trevor singing all night long! We wonder what the other equine residents might have made of that!

The blood transfusion was a huge success and Theo quickly became brighter and over time was able to have short walks and even nibble some grass. His recovery is still in the early stages and he now has an infection in his leg that he is now fighting but we are hoping and wishing him well.

Theo can live a happy life even with part of his colon and intestine removed. He’ll need oil in his diet and extra care, but this can be managed. It's huge thanks to our fantastic veterinary teams at Vectis Vets on the Island, Liphook Hospital, and our dedicated and selfless team at the IOW Donkey Sanctuary who have helped give Theo every hope of surviving.

It’s been very emotional for everyone concerned and we are all wishing Theo a full recovery.

Christmas Gift Fair Stall Bookings

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 09:45:00 GMT

Attention all stall holders!

We are having our Christmas Gift Fair on November 19th, and will be opening our stall holder space bookings at 7pm on Wednesday 13th September and will close Sunday 17th September.

From 7pm on the 13th, visit https://isleofwightdonkeysanctuary.beaconforms.com/form/de78b59b and complete the form. The form will only be available from this time.

There will be 35 spaces available, for £35 per space.

To complete your booking you will need to attach an in date copy of your public liability insurance, and also make the payment at the time of booking.

Bookings will be on a first come first served basis.

If you are a charity, you will be contacted separately and do not need to use this form to book.

Any queries, get in touch with us at events@iowdonkeysanctuary.org

IOW Donkey Sanctuary First Rehoming Story

Mon, 07 Aug 2023 09:00:03 GMT

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary launches a donkey rehoming scheme.

On Thursday, 20th July the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary launched our donkey rehoming programme. Donkeys Dorothy and Katie needed to be rehomed after their owners could no longer care for them. We brought them over to the Sanctuary from Sparshalt and started on their welfare assessment.

We decided for Dorothy and Katie that it was in their best interest to find a suitable foster home. We were delighted to find a wonderful new home for them on the Island.

Although our donkeys at the Sanctuary are happy to live in their herds, many donkeys come from a home environment where they are used to care from a select few people and a lot of one-to-one attention.

Our rehoming programme helps donkeys who thrive in a family environment rather than living as part of a herd, and this enables us to care for our donkeys in a way that better suits their needs. The Sanctuary continues to offer full support to our Foster Guardians who look after our donkeys on our behalf.

The Sanctuary is indebted to our supporters and volunteers for enabling us to continue our vital work.

We will be sure to give everyone another update on their progress after they have settled in to their new home. To see the video of Dorothy and Katie going to their new home, visit our Fostering page .

Some Sad News - Jill and Angelica

Mon, 27 Mar 2023 13:00:01 GMT

On the evening of Saturday 25th, very peacefully, we said goodbye to our much loved donkeys, Jill and Angelica. Both Jill and Angelica had been closely monitored for a while and both had various health issues that were causing concern. On Saturday, they both let us know that it was their time to go.

Jill has been part of the OAP herd for many years and has enjoyed meeting visitors over the time she has lived at the Sanctuary. In her later years, Jill was unable to eat as well as our younger donkeys due to dental and other internal issues, and was regularly served a selection of watered down sugar beet and grass nuts from her special feed bowl - which was raised off the ground to make feeding easier for her.

She also enjoyed pushing her way to the front of the medicine scoop queue, even if she had already had hers! She insisted she have more, even trying to nibble the staff to persuade them, but this didn't work very well and she had very few teeth left to use, so it was more of a gummy kiss. As well as trying to have all the medication scoops, Jill loved a relaxing massage from our physiotherapist.

Despite her age related stiffness, she would often enjoy trotting around the field with the other OAP's, as if she was a youngster again. Jill was a joy to be around and will be deeply missed.

In consultation with our vet, surrounded by our dedicated farm team, Jill was helped to pass.

We also said goodbye to our beloved little mini mischief Angelica. Angelica may have been one of our smallest donkeys but she certainly was one of the biggest characters on site!

She was always the first to let us know when we were late with her feed, and when she had finished her feed, she would often pick up her bowl to show staff that she had finished…we’re sure she was asking for a second portion to be brought to her.

Angelica enjoyed taking part in activities and regularly attended community events – where we take donkeys to different locations within the local community and generally bring smiles to all that the donkeys meet. Angelica loved being centre of attention, and adored meeting people.

Angelica’s pretty name could fool people – she was angelic and also had a mischievous side - she would often seize any opportunity she could to sneak through an open gate!

Affectionately known by staff as Jellybean, our little Angelica passed peacefully on Saturday evening, surrounded by our vet, our dedicated team and her mini herd friends – Bella, Wizzy and Geraldine. She received the very best of care and will be greatly missed.

Our team display such love and care for all of our animals and it is brings great sadness when we lose any of our beloved animals. We do however have many happy memories to remind us of our lovely donkeys.

Rest in peace, beautiful Angelica and Jill.

John Roberts - Gift in Memory

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 10:00:12 GMT

Leaving a Lovely Gift

We received a lovely letter from Clare Roberts, who was writing to us about her husband, John.

John was in a care home and his health wasn't very good, so in November last year, Clare decided to bring Christmas forward for him and adopt Rosie Lee as a gift. Rosie Lee's photo was framed so that John could see her, and he adored her.

Sadly, John passed away on Christmas day. As John had such a love for donkeys, his funeral donations were in support of us here at the IOW Donkey Sanctuary. We received £300 to go towards our Equine Clinic Appeal, and Clare has decided to continue the adoption of Rosie Lee in his memory.

Clare sent us this photo of John with their dog, Scampi, at the sanctuary from when they used to live on the Isle of Wight.

Thank you John and Clare for your kindness and continued support. We can continue to care for our donkeys because of people like you.

Fab Fundraisers - TPIW

Fri, 17 Mar 2023 10:00:12 GMT

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone at The Price Is Wight and to all of the people that have donated to us through them.

They chose us as their first Charity of the Year to try their new idea of showcasing local charities and raising funds for them. For a year there was an option to add a donation to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary during the checkout of The Price Is Wight, and from everyone's donations we have received a total of £4,666!

We are so grateful to everyone that chose to add a donation to us, and to The Price Is Wight for choosing us as their first Charity of the Year!

New Face Leads the Sanctuary

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 15:33:01 GMT

New Face Leads The IOW Donkey Sanctuary

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary has appointed a new Chief Executive, to lead the sanctuary from the 20th of February 2023.

Susan McCall, originally from Perth and latterly from Cambridgeshire, was appointed to the role and is moving to the island in mid-February. Susan is bringing with her various pets consisting of, 34 sheep, 3 horses, 2 dogs and a cat, an indication of her love for animals!

Susan has played a leading role in several charities, in particular the Ride High Equine Charity in Milton Keynes, which specialised in developing interactions of equines with people with additional needs.

Susan impressed the staff at the charity with her equine background, her business knowledge, her love of animals, and her focus on helping people make the most of their talents and abilities.

Dawn Finney, Chair of Trustees at the sanctuary said, "Susan will make a real difference to the sanctuary. She will consolidate on our success of the last few years and will make the most of new opportunities for the charity. Susan will bring a fresh energy to the team and they are all looking forward to working with her".

Wizzy's Wellbeing Project

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 10:00:11 GMT

In the summer of 2022, The IOW Donkey Sanctuary won funding to appoint its first Community Engagement Leader, Tiff Harvey. She immediately began work on creating and developing 'Wizzy's Wellbeing Project', to engage and work with our local community.

Wizzy's Wellbeing Project is a project that would get people, many of whom had difficulties in their lives, to work with our donkeys, feel good about themselves and feel positive about their mental health. Tiff and Wizzy formed a partnership and together they began building relationships with our local community, to create purpose built interactive activities with our donkeys, based on people's individual needs. Moving into her 5th month in this role, Wizzy's Well Being Partnership has had a huge impact on the community work the sanctuary undertakes and is here to stay!

Some of the groups that have been involved in the project so far are; Mountbatten Hospice, Kissy Puppy Project, Nurture Cabin, Whiteoak Youth Services, Isle of Wight Youth Offending Team, Veteran Outreach Support, Community Spirited, Beaulieu House, Ryde House Group, and Paragon IOW the YOU trust (Women’s Refuge). We have had some lovely feedback from a number of these groups that have got involved.

IOW Youth Offending Team - (15 year old youth offender) has grown in confidence since attending, from having no prospects or future aspirations. The work at the Sanctuary has shown her love of animals, she is so happy when she is there and looks forward to attending every week. She would like to become a volunteer when she is 16 in Feb, she has found her future career and would love to go into animal care at college, this has given her a goal in life, and she has changed her behaviour as she knows that this will affect her future. She has made a scrap book of all the sessions at the Sanctuary and has commented that she loves the Donkeys, and it really makes her feel good knowing she is helping them.

Paragon IOW the YOU trust (Women’s Refuge) - Dear Tiff, on behalf of all the families of the Isle of Wight Refuge, we would like to say a huge thank you for welcoming us at the Donkey Sanctuary on Saturday 5th November 2022. This allowed all of us the wonderful opportunity to have a nice time together outside of the refuge environment. We all found the setting to be calm, safe, beautiful, and therapeutic for everyone. Our children were happy to see the rescue Jacks and Jennies learning all their names, ages, disabilities, and countries of origin. They loved best petting the donkeys, also enjoying labelling their body parts on the cut out donkey board. This was very educational along with learning about types of food they eat and being able to make up some of their food. Another lovely highlight was ending our trip in the café where we all sat together chatting and enjoying the best meal. Everyone loved the gift shop but the staff most of all welcomed us warmly and you were very kind and attentive. We are all now looking forward to returning in the new year and deciding which one of your donkeys we would all like to adopt. On behalf of the refuge many thanks.

Kissy puppy - Thank you very much for bringing Bella and Gabriella to our Children's Christmas party on Saturday 3rd December. During our visits to the Donkey Sanctuary all of your staff have made us feel very welcome and have been helpful in answering all of our questions regarding the donkeys. The experience the children have received, encompasses all of their sensory needs. The children appear to enjoy their visits and we appreciate all of your support through the year.

If you or a group that you are involved in would like to be part of Wizzy's Wellbeing Project then please get in touch with Tiff at community@iowdonkeysanctuary.org

Final Day To Order For Christmas

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Sun, 11 Dec 2022 09:06:05 GMT

Due to the post backlog and the planned strikes, the final day to order adoptions and shop orders in time for Christmas delivery will be tomorrow, before 3pm, for us to get these orders in the post.

If anyone is planning on purchasing anything from the online shop https://www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org/shop please make your orders today, or tomorrow before 3pm. Any orders placed after this time will not be able to make the post deadline and will most likely not make it in time for Christmas.

The same will apply for adoptions. If anyone is thinking of purchasing an adoption as a Christmas gift this year, please do so today, or tomorrow before 3pm so that we can get these out to you and avoid disappointment!

We can still process orders and adoptions that you are able to collect from the Sanctuary yourselves. There is an option available within the adoption form online to pick up from the sanctuary, or for shop orders, give us a phone call and we can arrange the order for you to collect here.

Don't leave it too late, get your orders in now!

Can You Help?

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 11:00:02 GMT

The IOW Donkey Sanctuary is looking to appoint a Charity Manager, to direct the future of the Charity from 2023 onwards.

We are looking for a vibrant, enthusiastic communicator with a strong executive and strategic background, who has experience of managing in a charity or corporate environment. The successful candidate will have strong business and finance knowledge, will have a clear belief in equine welfare, and will be able to show the skills necessary to co-ordinate leaders in a variety of areas such as; Visitor Services, Estate and Facility Management, Animal Management, Retail and Hospitality and Community Engagement.

The IOW Donkey Sanctuary is an award winning, greatly loved charity and the successful candidate will need to show a high level of commitment to this role in order for the sanctuary to be able to raise funds and meet the needs of its resident donkeys.

Applicants should apply by email, including a cover letter, in which they describe their reasons for applying, their suitability for the role and how their past experience is relevant to this role. A full CV should also be included.

For further details, including a Job Description, and to apply, please contact the Strategic Director at info@iowdonkeysanctuary.org

Salary £35-40k

Closing Date - December 2nd

Award Winners!

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 09:59:33 GMT

2 Golds and a Silver!!

What a night! The Red Funnel Awards 2022 were held on Thursday 10th November -the tourism Oscars! The Sanctuary was represented by Tracy Hawkes (Visitors Services Manager), Lucy Smith (Online Fundraising and Social Media Manager), Chloe Remnant (Yard Manager) and Alyshia McLoughlin (Hospitality Assistant).

The night was our most successful yet!

Grazers Café won Silver, as runners up in the Best Café/Tea Room on the Island for 2022. This is a massive achievement for Chef Andrew Barton and the Kitchen and Café team, in a category that is incredibly competitive! Their hard work raises money for our donkeys every single day of the year, apart from Christmas Day, and we are indebted to them for their hard work (and of course their fabulous food).

We weren't done yet. Next up, the sanctuary won Gold as the winner of the ‘Best Place For Dogs’! We pride ourselves on our dog friendly approach inside and outside at the sanctuary. We have lovely walkways and paths for dog walkers, we run doggy events for our 4-legged friends, and there's always a dog biscuit to be found at meet and greet and in the café. We even have some of our staff bring their dogs to work.

But the BIG award was the real bonus of the night. We came away with gold for the 'Best Large Attraction' on the island! We were shocked but thrilled to have beaten lots of the ‘big league’ attractions to win this award. We have stayed true to ourselves as an animal sanctuary, and people enjoy our environment, love to get involved with our donkeys and the work we do, and really become part of the community that we have built. We are overwhelmed and so appreciative of the recognition that this award has given us.

Thank you so much to everybody who supported the sanctuary and voted for us. It has been a tough few months and this has brought delight to everybody who works here! It is just the bit of good news that we were all hoping for.

Award photo credits: Pamela Parker, Newsquest

Quiet Reflection and Closure

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 13:00:04 GMT

We want to let everyone know that the Sanctuary will remain open for visitors. Please feel free to come and visit us and use our grounds for quiet reflection, and of course to visit the donkeys.

However, we have made the decision that on Monday 19th September, the official date for Queen Elizabeth's funeral, we will be closing the Sanctuary. The closure will be for one day and the Sanctuary will re open at the usual time of 10am on Tuesday 20th September.

Some Sad News - Emily

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 11:00:01 GMT

Several weeks ago, we alerted our supporters that our donkey Emily had been diagnosed with an advanced form of leukaemia and was now receiving palliative care. Sadly, as is often the situation in these cases, Emily picked up a blood infection and her heart could finally not cope with the burden of her illness. Yesterday she passed peacefully away. We are the rescue, the sanctuary, the happiness, but also the journey’s end for all of our donkeys. The last few weeks have been sad days for us, and Emily’s passing, whilst expected, is another tough blow for all of the staff and volunteers who doted on this beautiful donkey and gave her all their love until the very end.

Emily was a Grand Dame! She loved her life in the Friends and Family group, and although she was not the boldest donkey in there, she was certainly amongst the kindest. She was a very sweet old lady, and in her earlier life was always popular on outreach visits to care homes and visiting children in community settings. She overcame the loss of an eye and coped as if nothing had happened - she may have been kind, but she made it very clear to the likes of Prentice and Winston, which was her food and which was theirs! She was unbelievably patient and seemed to know when her supporters had come to see her – she could be found by the fence so often, being stroked and fussed by visitors who were so happy to see her.

Only a week ago, a group of visitors arrived on site from Durham, all of whom wanted to see Emily. They had been directed to her by the team at the Sands Hotel in Sandown, who had loyally supported Emily for many years. Emily loved their attention and stayed with them for a number of minutes until she had received all of their individual love and attention. That was typical of Emily, one of the sweetest, kind and gentle donkeys we have known.

We are all suffering a time of sadness at the moment, and this will only deepen that mood for all of our team and our supporters.

RIP Emily.

Please Note - our sanctuary will remain open, apart from the 19th September. People who would like to use the sanctuary and its grounds for quiet reflection, as well as remembering Emily, are very welcome to do so.

Some Sad News - Belle

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Tue, 30 Aug 2022 08:31:41 GMT

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is devastated to announce the passing of our greatly loved and, much admired donkey, Belle.

A few weeks ago, Belle was struck down by an illness which affected her movement, and which eventually meant she had difficulty in standing. Belle was tested here and had many nights of ‘Pyjama Club’ nursing, but her condition did not improve. Belle had a variety of tests and was then sent for a CT scan at Liphook, accompanied by her friend, Smudgie. Whilst she was at Liphook she was closely monitored, and additional tests were run. It soon became clear that in addition to an arthritic deterioration in her neck and spine, she was also suffering from a neurological condition which was affecting her movement. We were alerted to the news that Belle’s condition was incurable, and to prevent the pain that she would endure with these issues, it was agreed by the team here and at Liphook that the kindest thing we could do was to put Belle to sleep.

On behalf of all our supporters we must thank and pay tribute to the outpouring of love and care given to Belle at all times of the day and night, by our own staff and volunteers, our veterinary team, and the amazing team at Liphook who cared for Belle as if she was ‘one of their own’. Thank you to all of you.

Belle was an island donkey who originated from the Brickfields Horse Centre. She was taken into a lovely caring home in Niton and came to us when her owner ‘mum’ had passed away and her owner 'dad' had to go into a nursing home. Belle was in her late twenties then and was a beautiful friendly donkey. Belle immediately had a secret admirer, a certain French donkey gentleman called Busby! They became firm friends and many of our early outreaches became the Belle and Busby show. They were known to so many people round the island and very often we would get special requests to go to events - providing it was Belle and Busby who went along. On one occasion the terrific twosome were invited to Norton Grange Hotel on Christmas Day between 10.00 and 11.30 to wish the guests Happy Christmas. The hospitality that the 2 donkeys received was so good that they were still there eating grass and carrots at 2.00 in the afternoon - they weren’t missing out on their own Christmas feast!

Belle was an outstanding therapy donkey both here at the sanctuary and in residential centres across the island. She was kind, patient and extremely tolerant. She loved fuss, loved being groomed and loved the affection and adoration of those who adopted her and often came to see her.

Belle leaves behind her daughter Hannah, who is the absolute spitting image of her mum, both in looks and in character. Hannah has her own admirer in Pinto O’ Sullivan, and it could well be that the Belle and Busby show of yesteryear becomes the Pinto and Hannah show of the future.

It would be lovely if people who adopt Belle would consider adopting her daughter Hannah, in memory of her mum.

Thank you Belle for the memories , thank you for helping people whose lives were a struggle, and above all thank you for the kindness and love you gave to all of the staff and volunteers who cared for you. We will miss you terribly.

R.I.P Belle. You can now rejoin your admirer Busby and best friend Blossom over the rainbow bridge.

Christmas with the Donkeys

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 11:30:00 GMT

Our donkeys absolutely love Christmas, and they love to come and visit people over the Christmas period. If you would like to book a visit from our donkeys over the Christmas period for an event, care home, community group, etc, then get in touch with us as soon as you can, as we are currently taking bookings!

There are a few ways that you can get in touch with us about a donkey visit. You can either give us a call on (01983) 852693, email community@iowdonkeysanctuary.org, or by filling out the form at the bottom of the community page on our website https://www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org/our-community

Just let us know your name, how to contact you, and then some details about the visit you would like including dates, and we will get back to you as soon as we can!

Our donkeys look forward to seeing as many of you as possible!

Community Engagement Made Possible By You

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 11:30:00 GMT

We would like to officially introduce to you all our new Community Engagement Leader, Tiffany Harvey!

We recently won funding from the National Lottery's Community Fund. This made this brand new role possible for us, and is thanks to everyone out there that plays the #NationalLottery . This role will allow us to increase the variety and range of our community and stakeholder engagement, and Tiffany is currently in the process of creating purpose-built projects which link our work to local groups.

If there are any community groups that would like to get involved with us here at the IOW Donkey Sanctuary and take part in a purpose built project specifically tailored to their group, then Tiffany would love to hear from you! You can contact her on Community@iowdonkeysanctuary.org, or phone us on (01983) 852693.

We are also on the lookout for anyone that would be interested in helping us with this important community work and have some time to come and volunteer. If you feel you could help us please get in touch by completing the volunteer form on our website found here: https://www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org/volunteer

Some Sad News

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 08:34:41 GMT

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary regrets to inform our supporters of the passing of our beautiful brown donkey Hazel on Sunday, after a 2-day battle against illness.

Hazel showed signs of distress on Saturday morning and our vet, Kate, from Vectis Equine, was immediately called. Kate felt there was a serious situation developing and that Hazel should be transferred immediately to Liphook.

Arrangements were made, but Hazel’s best friend Hannah hates horseboxes and wouldn’t go. Pinto O ‘Sullivan stepped forward, who was happy to travel on the horsebox for the price of a carrot.

On arrival at Liphook, Hazel undertook a series of tests and scans, and it emerged that she was suffering from acute organ failure, specifically her liver and kidneys. We agreed to throw everything we could at the problem, even though we had been warned that there was only a remote chance that we could help the problem. Unfortunately, Hazel’s condition worsened overnight and on Sunday morning the Liphook vets advised us that there was no chance that Hazel could be cured. We made the decision that we never want to make, that the only thing we could do was to put Hazel to sleep. Dramatic things like this can occur with donkeys; Hazel had shown no sign of illness, no irregularities in condition and was happily eating and enjoying being with her friends, only a week ago.

Hazel was an island donkey, just 18 years old, who only joined us 3 months ago from Whitwell. Both of her owners had been taken ill and couldn’t look after Hazel and her best friend Hannah. Both donkeys had settled in well with the Weight and See Herd and news of Hazel’s sudden death has shocked and upset all our staff and volunteers.

We will be taking special care of Hannah, to make sure she is coping with the loss of her best friend, and Pinto arrived back last night, in the cool of the evening, so that he can be with his friends as quickly as possible.

RIP Hazel

Summer Holidays Activities

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 08:53:11 GMT

The summer holidays are just a couple of weeks away now, and as we have said in a previous post there will plenty of things for everyone to get involved in during the holidays.

Activities will be running from 23rd July through until 31st August, with the same schedule for each week.

Monday will be a playstation presentation for everyone to learn about lots of things we do and about donkey care, along with the feeding of one of our groups. These will be at 11am and 2pm.

Tuesday will have our care for a donkey package at 11:30am, with spaces for 4 people, a grooming presentation at 1pm, and also donkey grooming from 1:30pm until 3:30pm.

Wednesday we will have donkey walking from 11am until 1pm, with 3 donkeys available during each half hour slot, and then a care for a donkey package at 2pm with spaces for 4 people.

Thursday will be a care for a shetland package at 11:30am, with spaces for 4 people, a grooming presentation at 1pm, and then donkey grooming from 1:30pm until 3:30pm.

Friday will be donkey grooming from 10:30am until 12:30pm, and then shetland grooming from 1:30pm until 3:30pm.

Saturday will be donkey walking from 11am until 3pm.

Sunday will be shetland slalom from 11am until 1pm, with 2 shetlands per slot, and then donkey grooming from 1:30pm until 3:30pm.

Along with these activities we will also be offering a mini shetland slalom using hobby horses, and a meet a donkey opportunity, which will be for a donation of your choice. The hobby horses and meet a donkey do not need to be pre booked and there are no age restrictions.

Further information and booking for all of these activities can be found on the what's on page.

These will be available to view online a couple of weeks in advance.

Summer Holidays

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 09:50:16 GMT

The summer holidays are right around the corner and planning is underway here at the sanctuary! We want to bring everyone something different available each day of the week, with lots of variety to choose from.

The activities and things to get involved with will include:

Donkey Walking

Shetland Walking

Care For a Donkey Packages

Care For a Shetland Packages

Donkey Grooming

Shetland Grooming

Grooming Presentations

Meet a Donkey

Shetland Slalom

Hobby Horse Slalom

Feed Tours

There will be something for every age group and budget. Most of these will be available to book in advance online through our website on the what's on page.

Full availability, a schedule of what is happening when, and further details will be announced soon.

We're looking forward to a fun packed summer!

Double Winners!

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 10:48:47 GMT

The IOW Donkey Sanctuary was a double winner at the Royal Agricultural Society Rural Business and Charity Awards, announced at the Island’s County Show on Sunday 26th June.

The sanctuary had been nominated, shortlisted and, after a panel interview, became finalists in the Rural Tourism Business/Charity of the Year. We were absolutely thrilled to be announced as the winners, beating off competition from what the organisers said was the highest number of entries and the highest quality of applicants ever received for these awards! Director, Derek Needham, and Estate Manager, Nick Painter, stepped on stage to collect the award.

However, an even greater shock was to follow. After all the various categories had been presented, the ‘big’ award to the overall business/charity of the year was presented. The IOW Donkey Sanctuary was named as the overall winner, and on his last afternoon as Charity Manager, Derek went up to collect the main award.

Derek said afterwards, "this award reflects the outstanding team effort by everybody connected with the sanctuary - our visitors, supporters, volunteers, staff, and trustees, who all come together to make this charity what it is. It represents a lot of hard work by everybody on the farm, with the animals, on the estate, in the office, in the shop, in the kitchen and in the café. Everybody who works or volunteers here has a passion for what they do, and they all deserve to be congratulated and to celebrate this award".

Rupert Returns Home

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 08:33:44 GMT

After a short stay at Liphook Equine Hospital due to a case of serious colic, Rupert has recovered and is doing really well.

Two of our team, Nick and Sandy, went over to Liphook yesterday morning to go and collect Rupert. On their arrival they were very pleased to see Rupert looking so well and full of energy!

Rupert made the journey back to the gunwharf ferry terminal, slightly earlier than planned and was greeted by staff there eager to see his return. They were lucky enough to get onto an earlier boat back to the island, however, in what appears to now be Rupert's style, their return journey couldn't go completely smoothly! A medical emergency on the ferry that was currently in the Fishbourne terminal meant that they needed to wait on their boat before they could come into the port.

They eventually made it back onto the island and then back home to the sanctuary. Rupert was greeted at home by staff and volunteers that have been missing him, along with some of the people that played a massive part in getting him on to the ferry during our plea for help. The Mills family came along who work at Wightlink and made those incredibly important phone calls to help persuade them to find us a space straight away. We also had Sarah Jane Whitter follow the donkey bus back from the Fishbourne ferry to welcome him home. Sarah took it upon herself to get all of the traffic out of the way to make sure that we got Rupert on that ferry as soon as possible, even commandeering a lift in a George Jenkins truck to make it happen!

They were all as thrilled as we are to see him return home and look healthy, and this is such a lovely way to end this part of Rupert's story. We will never be able to fully express our gratitude to all of our supporters and the entire community in the way that everyone came together to get Rupert the help he needed. We will continue to monitor him, but are really hopeful that he has made a full recovery!

Fab Fundraiser - Pamela Sinnett

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 08:00:07 GMT

Last week we were visited by Pamela Sinnett who had decided to do a birthday fundraiser and chose to donate this money to the donkeys at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.

Pamela and her friends managed to raise a wonderful £125 for our donkeys! Pamela came to visit us with one of her friends, to hand us part of the money, with the rest coming through a Facebook fundraiser, and to of course come and say hello to Bella!

Thank you Pamela for choosing us, and to all of your friends for helping to raise this money for our donkeys!

Fab Fundraiser - Mathew

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 08:00:01 GMT

Recently we were contacted by Leehurst Swan School in Salisbury. They had contacted us to let us know that we have been selected as their school's Charity of the Year for the next 2 years!

Their school held an assembly and invited their students to produce presentations to present to the rest of the school in favour of a charity that they would like to support. One of their students, Mathew, decided to create a presentation in favour for the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. The whole school then voted throughout the week, and it was found that they have chosen us!

They have already had a bake sale to start fundraising for us, and will be doing many more things in the next 2 years.

Thank you so much Leehurst Swan School for choosing us, and to Mathew for putting us forward as an option! We are so grateful to you all.

Half Term - 28th May - 5th June

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Sat, 14 May 2022 08:00:15 GMT

This half term we are going to have more going on than ever before!

Every day of the half term we will continue to have our free activity sheets available at the Meet and Greet hut. You can take part in the Information Trail Quiz, try to tick off all of our donkeys on the Donkey Spotting Sheet, and we are also introducing a special under 5s activity sheet.

Each day of the half term there will also be our popular donkey grooming interaction taking place. Donkey grooming sessions last 15 minutes and cost £6 per donkey. 2 donkeys will be available during each 15 minute session, and a maximum of 2 people can share a donkey. There is also an age limit of 5 and above. Saturday 28th, Saturday 4th, and Sunday 5th this will run from 10:30am - 12:30pm and 1:30pm - 3:30pm. On every other day grooming will run from 1:30pm - 3:30pm.
During all of the donkey grooming sessions we will also be introducing a meet a donkey opportunity running during the same times. This is for any age, and for a donation of your choice, to come into the pen and meet one of our donkeys, give them some strokes and get some pictures with them.

On both of the weekends (28th, 29th & 4th, 5th) there will be another free activity called Body Condition Scoring. There will be a presentation taking place at 11:30am, and another at 2:30pm, which will explain what body condition scoring is, how we do it, and why we do it, and then you will get the chance to do some yourselves with our free Body Condition Scoring sheet.

In addition to all of this we will be introducing a variety of care package interactions. We will be running Care For a Donkey, Care For a Shetland Pony, Care For an OAP Donkey, and Care For a Nursery Donkey packages. These packages will last 50 minutes and there will be 8 spaces per session. During these sessions you will start by being given a health and safety briefing and then go through our Playstation presentation, and then move onto a groom, handling and a short walk, a body condition score, and then a scan and match activity. Every participant will also receive a certificate for completing the package.
All of these packages cost £15 per person, and participants must be 7 years old and above to take part.
Sunday 29th and Wednesday 1st the Care For a Donkey package will be available at either 11am or 12pm. Monday 30th and Friday 3rd the Care For an OAP will be available at 11am, and the Care For a Nursery will be available at 12pm. Tuesday 31st and Thursday 2nd the Care For a Shetland Pony package will be available at 11am or 12pm.

We hope that this half term there will be something for everyone to get involved in!

All of the interactions can be booked online through our website at: https://www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org/whats-on#Interactwithourdonkeys as well as on the day if there are spaces still available.

Welcome Hannah and Hazel

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Tue, 10 May 2022 08:30:22 GMT

Welcome Hannah and Hazel!

We would like to welcome and introduce you all to our two latest donkeys, Hannah and Hazel!

Hannah is the light grey, and slightly taller of the pair, and Hazel is the dark brown. This gorgeous pair have come from a local home in Whitwell, where they have been loved and cared for by their owners. We were asked if we could take these two due to their owners being ill and not feeling that they could give them the care that they deserve, and that they wanted to provide.

These two have been in light quarantine for a short period after they arrived, so that we can be sure they are healthy, and do not have anything that can be passed on to the other donkeys. Once they are all clear, they will most likely start their lives at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary being introduced to the Weight and See herd, as they have a little extra weight we would like them to lose.

These two are very sweet girls and we know that all of you will love them as much as we already do! Come visit us and meet this adorable new pair!

Health Update - Charlie and Scooby Return

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Mon, 02 May 2022 15:02:27 GMT

Our latest 2 Liphook patients, Charlie and Scooby, returned home to Wroxall on the 29th April.

Charlie has made an astounding recovery from an operation to remove a serious intestinal blockage. The operation was risky for an old donkey, but Charlie responded very well. He is bright and looks well after all he has been through. However, we are still cautious about his long term recovery and Charlie is being monitored very carefully.

For Scooby, the picture remains uncertain. She went to Liphook for a full investigation into a high heart rate and a serious flare up in her laminitis. The heart rate is under control but she is still lame from the laminitis, which is very acute. She has seen our Farrier on Friday, and he has ‘built’ her some shoes. She seems to be more comfortable than she has been for a long time. We must stress that this condition is extremely serious and we are doing all we can to support and manage Scooby, who deserves all of our effort, because she has had such a rough time medically.

Thank you to our staff, our vets, and the medical team at Liphook for their care and expertise for these 2 fabulous donkeys!

Fab Fundraiser - James Beech

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 08:00:05 GMT

We were visited by James Beech, who told us all about some amazing fundraising that he has been doing. James has been raising money for his Jamboree 2023 with the scouts. James has already done a wide range of fundraising activities such as a quiz night, a raffle, and inflating tyres.

James has decided to choose us for part of his fundraising and wants to raise £1000 for us! Alongside this he also has a target to raise £4000 for refugees. He has plans to do a 22 mile walk in London, a gaming night, a Korean food night, and more quiz nights.

James popped in to give us the first £250 he has managed to raise for us. We wish James all the best with his future fundraising and think that what he has done, and is continuing to do is amazing!

Thank you James!

Fab Fundraiser - Daisy Wood

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 08:00:03 GMT

We were visited recently by Daisy Wood, who had been doing some fundraising for us. Daisy had done a sponsored 100km in March, and had also sold some Aloe Vera plants.

Daisy managed to raise an amazing £105.30 for our donkeys, and has said she is going to continue to fundraise for us!

We are so appreciative of all of the fundraising you have done Daisy and any future fundraising. Our donkeys benefit from everything that you do.

Thank you Daisy!

Major Gifts - Petplan Charitable Trust Grant

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 09:51:33 GMT

Petplan Charitable Trust's grant helped us provide extra accommodation

We are incredibly grateful to the Petplan Charitable Trust who granted us £10,000 to help build a new barn to accommodate the growing number of donkeys in our care.

Their grant helped us provide urgently needed shelter for donkeys like Phantom, who came to us because his Mum died when he was just 6 months old. It also helped house the 16 donkeys rescued from the slaughterhouse in France, who now have a happy life with us here at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.

May Open Day

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 16:15:03 GMT

May Open Day

On Sunday, May the 1st, we will be having our first open day in 2 years!

This will be a free, family friendly event for all the family, including the dogs! There will be lots to see and do throughout the day offering something for everyone.

We have a large variety of stall holders who will be selling their items, a number of different displays including historic vehicles and farming machinery, a Victorian funfair, and a selection of different demonstrations which includes a pony and donkey parade, a horsebox demonstration, a falconry display, gun dogs, agility groups, Raw Samba performance and more!

As always we will have a number of different activity sheets for everyone to get involved with, which are completely free and can be found at the Meet and Greet Hut. There will be hot and cold food and drinks available in Grazers Café with plenty of seating inside, outside in the courtyard, and also around the wildlife area with plenty of picnic benches.

And of course the most important thing, lots of donkeys and ponies to meet and say hello to!

The Open Day will be May 1st, 10:30am - 4pm. There is no need to book to come to the event, but we do need to point out that there is limited car parking spaces, but there will also be a park and ride service available on the day. We also advise wearing sensible clothing and footwear, as the ground may be uneven in places and the weather is unpredictable.

For more information on the event and further details please visit the What's On page.

We hope to see you there!

Health Update - Charlie and Scooby

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 11:45:03 GMT

We are pleased to say that Charlie is making progress at Liphook. He is starting to eat again, and all of his digestive systems seem to be working normally. Although he is doing well, we do not want to get too far ahead of ourselves, and it is still a 'keep our fingers crossed' situation.

Of real concern to us at the moment is Scooby. We have moved Scooby to Liphook, where she has replaced Sooty. Scooby needs advanced care for a number of issues.

It is well known that she is battling a longstanding eye condition, in which she gets regular bouts of ulcers, which we manage with a lot of care and attention. However, she has now gone lame with what appears to be several deep-seated abscesses, and unfortunately, she appears to have several other medical issues as well. We are struggling to tame her unusually high heart rate and we have discovered several blood deficiencies which require attention.

Our vets and our team have spent a lot of time with Scooby and each time we have a plan for her, something else seems to crop up. She is a lovely donkey, who is an ideal patient, and we are trying everything we know to achieve a positive outcome for her.

We will keep you all updated when we can.

Fab Fundraiser - Leanne

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 08:00:03 GMT

We were visited recently by one of our previous Fab Fundraisers, Leanne Covey, who has been selling felt donkeys in No.26 in Ventnor.

The felt donkeys sold so well the previous time she offered them around Christmas, that there was still demand for them. She continued to sell these through the beginning of this year and came in to tell us how she had been doing.

She managed to raise another £310 for us, which is amazing! We would also like to give a special mention to Anna, who very kindly bought 2 of these felt donkeys.

Thank you so much Leanne for all of the fundraising you have done, our donkeys really appreciate everyone's generosity!

Health Update - Charlie

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 14:00:03 GMT

Health Update - Charlie

Charlie, one of our Old and Proud Donkeys, was rushed to Liphook Hospital on Tuesday afternoon for an urgent operation.

Charlie displayed symptoms of Colic on Tuesday morning and deteriorated very quickly. After an initial investigation by our own vets, it was quickly decided that Charlie needed hospital treatment, and Sooty put his hoof up to volunteer to be Charlie’s friend (Sooty is well known at Liphook!).

On arrival Charlie was immediately x-rayed and scanned. A large, ball shaped, blockage was found in his abdomen, and there were only two options for Charlie. As an old donkey we could say that we wouldn’t put him through any further stress, or we could give the immediate go ahead to give him a fighting chance of life by letting him have an operation to remove the blockage. Since we believe in giving all our donkeys the best chance of life, and since we have had great success with surgical procedures on other old donkeys such as Colin, Jill, and Naomi, we were determined to give Charlie the best opportunity that we could. Hence, we gave the go ahead for the operation, although we fully understood the expense and the fact that the operation might not work.

The staff at Liphook got Charlie into surgery as quickly as possible. They discovered that his digestive system was being blocked by a large ball of food which had to be surgically removed. By the end of Tuesday evening, Charlie had gone through the operation and was in recovery.

On Wednesday, Charlie appeared to have recovered from the trauma of the operation and was beginning to eat some sloppy food. The signs are positive, but we cannot take anything for granted with an older donkey. He has a period of rehabilitation in front of him, but he is in the best place and getting the best possible care. Charlie is not ‘out of the woods’ yet and we will update our supporters when we can. Fingers crossed everybody!

Irrespective of the final outcome here, we are indebted to our vets and the team at Liphook for their prompt diagnosis and action which got Charlie out of immediate danger and pain.

Sooty meanwhile has settled down in his suite, has ordered his morning newspapers, organised his menu, selected his paddock for grazing, and is making the most of his latest Liphook holiday!

Donkey Devotee - Scarlett

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 08:00:05 GMT

We were contacted recently by Scarlett's mum, Natalie, to tell us that Scarlett was really keen to let us know what she had been up to recently.

Scarlett had a distance day in her swimming lesson, and she decided to challenge herself to swim a distance of 3000 meters! This was the longest distance that Scarlett had ever swam. It was agreed that for such a big achievement there should be an incentive, and Scarlett got to choose her own prize.

Scarlett already adopts Belle and Hope, and without hesitation Scarlett asked if her prize could be another donkey adoption! It was agreed that this was a great idea, as it is what Scarlett chose, and it was also helping a charity at the same time.

After 2 and a half hours of swimming Scarlett achieved her 3000 meters! Scarlett was so excited about coming to visit the sanctuary and picking another donkey, that she decided to decorate a t-shirt to commemorate her donkey inspired swim, and we love it!

They visited this week, said they had a fabulous time, and that Scarlett has chosen to adopt Luckie. We are all so impressed by Scarlett's achievement, and so grateful that she chose another donkey adoption as her prize. Well done Scarlett, and thank you! We think Luckie was a great choice!

Fab Fundraiser - Dawn & John

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 15:18:57 GMT

One of our regular Fab Fundraisers, Dawn and John, recently ran a coffee morning at Cowes Community Club, and it was a success! Dawn managed to raise an amazing £430 for the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary during the coffee morning.

Her next fundraiser is a name the ducky draw. The duck was kindly donated by Brenda Forde in Ryde. It costs £1 to enter and guess the duck's name, and this is currently being held in Browse and Brays shop at the sanctuary.

Thank you Dawn and John for all of the amazing fundraising that you do for us! It is only thanks to people like you that we are able to exist.

Fab Fundraiser - Furzehill Childcare Centre

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 12:24:43 GMT

Furzehill Childcare Centre have visited us here at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary for a number of weeks, and have had a great time with all of the children.

They have adopted Jill, and always come to see her and see how she is doing.

During their last visit, they told us that they have done some fundraising for us and presented us with a cheque for an amazing £750.87! We are so grateful to everyone that helped raise this money. We cannot thank you enough for your kindness and generosity.

We are so glad that all of the staff and the kids have loved their visits to us, and we hope to see you all again soon! Thank you so much Furzehill Childcare Centre!

Fab Fundraiser - Lacey

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 12:16:02 GMT

We were visited recently by Lacey, who after hearing about the damage caused to us by storm Arwen, decided to do some fundraising for us.

Lacey arranged a bake sale and a tombola, which were held at Carnaby's Tea Rooms in Ventnor. Lisa Ellis very kindly let Lacey use the space to have the bake sale and run the tombola, which included gifts that had been donated to them.

Dawn Wood also did a raffle and offered coffee and mince pies at Byrnhill Grove care home, along with donations from the staff. This all went towards the total that Lacey was able to raise for us.

People could also make donations online if they were not able to make it in person, but still wanted to contribute.

Lacey managed to raise over £360, which is amazing!

Thank you so much Lacey for your kindness and generosity, and to everyone that helped and donated. We really appreciate every single one of you!

Fab Fundraiser - Love Running

website@iowdonkeysanctuary.org — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 12:09:30 GMT

Love Running Tuesday Nighters group visited us when they had a little Christmas get together here at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary. They hold a running group on a Tuesday night, and instead of charging a fee to be in the group, they place a large tube at the venue and members can put a donation into this tube every week when they meet up.

Love Running pick 3 different charities to raise money for and then divide the money that they raise between the 3. We were very lucky to be one of the chosen charities and they have donated £165 to us!

Thank you to everyone at Love Running and all of the group members who generously made donations!

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Latest News

What's on May and June at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

There's lots happening at the sanctuary this spring.

May half term at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Come and join us this half term - 23 to 31 May

Please don't feed our animals

It's so important that you don't feed them...

Open Farm Sunday on the Isle of Wight

Come behind the scenes on our farm! 6 and 7 June 2026

Welcome to our new residents

6 new donkeys from the New Forest

Easter fun at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Visit us this spring

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary opening times

Easter activities for all ages

Free Easter Egg Trail, 28 March to 12 April

Decorate an egg competition

Free Easter colouring in the café

Music in the Courtyard

Explore the sanctuary

Daily guided tour at 11.30am - free!

Springtime walks

A special experience

Our unique Donkey Experience

Even more to enjoy at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Treat yourself in our café

Easter shopping

Adopt a donkey, pony, mule or horse

Frequently asked questions

Isle of Wight Walking Festival Spring 2026

Isle of Wight Spring Walking Festival

Getting to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary during the Wroxall roadworks

Driving to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, PO38 3AA

Getting to the sanctuary by bus

Walking or cycling from Shanklin to the donkey sanctuary

Celebrate Mother's Day at the IOW Donkey Sanctuary

Treat mum to afternoon tea at the sanctuary

Donkey themed gifts

Adopt a donkey, pony, mule or horse

Unique Hedgerow Gin

Gift your mum a wonderful Donkey Experience

Gift vouchers — the perfect last-minute present

Visit the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

£1.50 off coffee and cake for English Tourism Week

Join us during English Tourism Week for a coffee and cake deal!

St Johns Road - road closure March 2026

Community music in the courtyard 2026

Community music in the courtyard

Free Guided Tours

Go behind the scenes with Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Free Guided Tours

February Half Term 2026

Valentine’s February Half Term Fun at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Valentine’s Afternoon Tea

Valentine’s Afternoon Tea

Drop off your real Christmas trees at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Our donkeys would love your real Christmas trees once you’ve taken them down!

Why we use Christmas trees

Where to leave your Christmas tree

A couple of things to note:

Family Festive Weekend at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Enjoy Christmas at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

20 and 21 December - Santa’s Grotto with our donkeys!

16 December update - Santa's a popular chap! We've just added a few more online booking spaces today. Once these are full there will be 4 spaces for each time slots time available on the day. These are on a first come first served basis.

See you at the weekend!

Fully booked - Quiet Time Santa’s Grotto

Even more fun during our Festive Weekend:

Special Christmas pony & carriage rides

Free Reindeer Trail

Seasonal joy at the sanctuary

Christmas Posting Dates

Please order early for Christmas!

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary Christmas posting dates 2025

Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary last order dates for delivery before Christmas:

Missed the last posting date? We can still help!

Celebrate Christmas with the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Enjoy the festive season at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Christmas and New Year 2025 opening times

Free reindeer trail 1 to 30 December

Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December

Christmas gifts from the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

16 December update - Santa's a popular chap!
We've just added a few more online booking spaces today.
Once these are full there will be 4 spaces for each time slots time available on the day. These are on a first come first served basis.

Plenty to see and do for the whole family
Spring at the sanctuary is all about getting outdoors and enjoying everything our beautiful space has to offer. There's lots to enjoy:

The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary launches new 5-day opening plan to prioritise donkey welfare