Summer at the sanctuary 2025

15 July 2025

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!


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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 .
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