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.