Sanctuary Update

17 September 2024

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.

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We’re looking for a People and Development Coordinator

by abigail.fox • 28 May 2026

If you’re an HR professional looking to reconnect with the people side of your role, this is a wonderful opportunity to join our compassionate, values led team. At the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary everything we do is guided by a clear purpose: providing refuge, new beginnings and exceptional care for donkeys and other equines in need. We’re looking for someone who values collaboration and who brings warmth and integrity to their work. You’ll be excited by the opportunity to combine your HR expertise with building meaningful relationships across the sanctuary. By supporting our team of staff and volunteers you’ll be making a lasting difference for both people and animals. What you’ll be doing Build positive relationships with staff and volunteers, providing a warm, approachable first point of contact for people-related support and guidance Support the recruitment and onboarding, helping create a welcoming and engaging experience for new team members and volunteers from first contact onwards Coordinate meaningful inductions, training, and development opportunities that help people feel confident, connected, and set up for success Help foster a positive, values-led culture by supporting wellbeing, performance conversations, and people experiences across the organisation Work collaboratively with managers to ensure people processes are delivered smoothly, fairly, and with integrity Key Skills & Experience Level 3 CIPD qualification (minimum) Experience in HR administration and recruitment for a similar size organisation Strong organisational and time management skills Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities Knowledge of HR systems and employment compliance Ability to handle confidential information with discretion Why work with us? At the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, every day is a chance to make a difference — for our animals, our visitors, and our community. You’ll join a friendly, supportive team where kindness, connection, and care are at the heart of everything we do. Whether you’re helping someone settle into a new role, supporting colleagues, encouraging volunteer engagement, or building strong relationships across the organisation — your role will offer the chance to reconnect with the people side of HR while contributing to our vision of being a centre of excellence in donkey welfare. If this role is for you please apply on Isle of Wight Jobs .