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Our donkey's journeys

Rescue stories

Where do our donkeys come from and what are their stories?

Regardless of our donkeys' past, we care about their future and how we can help them back to health or provide them with a loving home.


If a donkey is homeless, or there is a change in their owners’ circumstances, we offer that donkey a new life of high-quality care at our Sanctuary; they share their lives with staff, volunteers, and visitors with whom they have a special relationship.

Barnaby


Learn a little more about Barnaby....

Barnaby the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2016


Arrived from:

Ryde, Isle of Wight


Best buddy:

Thomas


Likes:

Brooms

Poor Barnaby had been left by his owners on a livery yard for quite a while. The owner of the livery yard couldn't stand seeing the little donkey on his own and paid to buy him out of his own money. He then promptly brought Barnaby here to find him some friends! Barnaby settled in beautifully. He is a very cheeky and playful donkey, and he certainly loves attention!

Adopt Barnaby

The Bobs


The 'Bob' family is Blakey, Olive and Barbara.

Year of arrival:

2015


Arrived from:

Norfolk

Barbara, Blakey and Olive were found abandoned in a field. Nobody wanted them, nobody admitted to owning them, so we were asked to rescue them. They were known as the BOBS family for a while, because Olive gave birth to a son called Sunny (named by Wroxall Primary School) shortly after they arrived.

Blakey the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Thomas


Likes:

Being outside


Blakey is also cautious. He's skittish, but also a bit of a nosey parker!

Olive the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Tabby


Likes:

Lickits


Olive is sweet natured and calm, and not a lot bothers her!

Barbara the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Tonic or Eva


Likes:

Pony nuts


Barbara is rather quiet and cautious. She's a beautiful donkey and slowly becoming more friendly.

Adopt Barbara

Bella


Learn a little more about Bella....

Bella the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2016


Arrived from:

Wellow, Isle of Wight


Best buddy:

Geraldine


Likes:

Food!

Bella’s previous owner was growing older and struggling to look after Bella and her Shetland pony friend, Dottie. Within 3 weeks of arrival, Dottie - who was actually pregnant - gave birth to Dougie!

Bella is quiet and gentle. She’s got a perfect temperament for a therapy donkey. She’s not a fan of exercise and would eat all day if she could! And no, she’s not pregnant!

Adopt Bella

Angel & Twinkle


Learn a little more about Angel and Twinkle...

Year of arrival:

2018


Arrived from:

Faversham, Kent

Angel and Twinkle had been together all their lives, but when their owner died, they were given to a cat and dog sanctuary. The owners of the cat and dog sanctuary knew about us, asked for help, and Angel and Twinkle began their lives on the Isle of Wight!

Angel the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Twinkle


Likes:

Sunbathing


Angel is very chilled. She’s calm and friendly, and mixes with anyone (well, any donkey!)

Adopt Angel
Twinkle the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Angel


Likes:

Nibbling


Twinkle is a strong character who loves Angel’s company, but also likes her own space. She certainly has a cheeky streak, and lets you know if she’s had enough of your company!

Adopt Twinkle

Jimbob


Learn a little more about Jimbob....

Jimbob the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2017


Arrived from:

Carisbrooke Castle, Isle of Wight


Best buddy:

Joseph


Likes:

People

Jimbob was easily the most famous donkey on the whole of the Island. He operated the water wheel at Carisbrooke Castle on behalf of English Heritage, and retired to the Sanctuary at the age of 18.


Jimbob is a very big character! He thinks he should have his own horsebox for his travels, he is very demanding, and he likes to be treated like a celebrity! Jimbob does therapy work and loves community events - anything with humans and he’s happy!

Adopt Jimbob

Ruby & Olivia


Learn a little more about Ruby & Olivia...

Year of arrival:

2018


Arrived from:

Southampton

Ruby and Olivia are besties who had lived together before they came to the Island. They lived on a nice piece of land, but that land was due to be built on, rendering them homeless. Their rescue was the most challenging, as the horsebox broke down on the ferry!

Ruby the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Olivia


Likes:

Sharing everything with Olivia


Ruby is quiet and gentle, but rather curious.

Adopt Ruby
Olivia the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Ruby


Likes:

Attention


Olivia is sweet natured and likes to be involved in anything that’s happening!

Adopt Olivia

Rose


Learn a little more about Rose....

Rose the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2019


Arrived from:

Whitwell, Isle of Wight


Best buddy:

Archie


Likes:

Hay

Originally owned by a hotelier, Rose was seen as a petting donkey for people who stayed at the hotel. The hoteliers went to the mainland, left Rose on the Island, where she was looked after temporarily by a kind family from Niton. They asked if we could give Rose a home and here she is! Rose is like her namesake - she’s beautiful, delicate and sweet, but she is cautious when approaching something new.

Adopt Rose

Pinky & Perky


Learn a little more about Pinky and Perky...

Year of arrival:

2015


Arrived from:

Hampshire

These two firm friends were looked after for years by a lovely lady. When she passed, her granddaughters inherited Pinky and Perky (they probably hoped for the house instead!), but couldn’t look after them from where they lived.

Pinky the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Perky


Likes:

Grass


Pinky is pretty cautious and shy, but gentle natured and friendly.

Perky the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Pinky


Likes:

Attention


Perky is laid back and confident, but a curious character that likes attention!

Wilfie


Learn a little more about Wilfie....

Wilfie the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2014


Arrived from:

Southampton


Best buddy:

Daffyd


Likes:

Pony nuts

When Wilfie arrived, his coat was in such a state that he had to have the first donkey crew cut! His fur was full of mites, insects and horrible creepy crawlies. Now look at him; simply dashing! 



Wilfie is a quiet but confident chap, and will certainly stand his ground with other mischievous donkeys! He’s very sweet and loving with people.

Adopt Wilfie

Frankie & Eva


Learn a little more about Frankie and Eva...

Year of arrival:

2014


Arrived from:

Southampton

Frankie and Eva came from a city farm and they lived in a field next to a pub. The staff at the city farm found it difficult to keep the two donkeys content; they were more used to small animals, such as rabbits! They didn’t know what to do with the donkeys and rang us to see if we could help. You all know the answer!

Frankie the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Eiffion


Likes:

Cuddles


Frankie is a cuddly donkey, and is generally a chilled out guy! He’s very friendly and gets on with most donkeys.

Adopt Frankie
Eva the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Tonic


Likes:

Pony nuts


Eva is quite a skittish donkey and is very cheeky if she wants food. She’s very nervous around the vet, as she’ll try and push anybody against the wall to escape the situation!

Adopt Eva

Trevor


Learn a little more about Trevor....

Trevor the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2017


Arrived from:

Freshwater, Isle of Wight


Best buddy:

Thomas


Likes:

Playing

Trevor used to live on a beautiful farm on the Island. He lived with his mum Cappuccino, but she wandered off with a Shetland pony, leaving Trevor on his own. His owner thought he’d love a new life here. 



Trevor can be heard from miles around from his impressive loud bray! He loves playing tag with his buddies and running around. 

Adopt Trevor

Sammy & Poncho


Learn a little more about Sammy and Poncho...

Year of arrival:

2020


Arrived from:

Bridgnorth, Shropshire

Sammy and Poncho used to live at a small rescue centre. They had been previously fostered, and when finance became tight for the centre, the donkeys’ futures became uncertain. We were asked if we could help - of course we could!

Sammy the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Poncho


Likes:

Scratches


Sammy is very calm, quiet and a total gentle giant - a very sweet natured donkey.

Poncho the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Sammy


Likes:

Playing


Poncho is lively and playful. He’s always chasing other donkeys and causing mischief!

Woody


Learn a little more about Woody....

Woody the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2019


Arrived from:

Wales


Best buddy:

Ryan


Likes:

Girls!

Woody lived on a smallholding with two Shetland buddies - Pablo and Winnie. Sadly, a genetic family illness meant the owners would have to give up their animals and their heavy work.



Woody is loud and confident, likes causing trouble, and is always on the hunt for female donkeys!

Adopt Woody

Coco


Learn a little more about Coco....

Coco the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2017


Arrived from:

Hampshire


Best buddy:

Paddy O


Likes:

Scratches

Coco’s previous owner cared for him dearly, but just didn’t have the extra time needed to help him. She thought the best thing was to find him some company and asked if we could take him. Coco was very lively when he first arrived, but after a lot of TLC and one-to-one help, he has become a lot more chilled. He still has a very cheeky and playful spirit, but just adores cuddles and attention.

Adopt Coco

Dennis


Learn a little more about Dennis....

Dennis the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2013


Arrived from:

Luccombe, Isle of Wight


Best buddy:

Wilfie


Likes:

Pony nuts

Dennis is a mischievous miniature donkey who came to the Sanctuary when both of his owners became seriously ill. Dennis was not at all happy when he came to the Sanctuary. He took a long time to settle, struggled to mix, and seemed quite sad. However, look at him now! He is king of his herd, runs around as if he owns the place and makes it very clear to all the staff what his requirements are each day. Dennis has his own naughty step for when things go ‘a bit too far!’

Adopt Dennis

Belle


Learn a little more about Belle....

Belle the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2016


Arrived from:

Niton, Isle of Wight


Best buddy:

Smudgie


Likes:

Attention!

 Belle was originally born at the Shire Horse Centre on the Island where she lived for many years. She moved to the village of Niton, where she shared a home with 2 Shetlands - Angus and Wispa. One of their owners passed away so the whole family moved here. 


Belle is a bit of a drama queen! She loves attention but she is a sweet girl.


Sadly Belle passed away in August, 2022 from an arthritic deterioration in her neck and spine, along with a neurological condition.

The 'Frenchies'


The 'Frenchies' are a herd of ten donkeys that arrived from France.

Year of arrival:

2021


Arrived from:

Pour L’Amour des Anes Sanctuary, France

The quality of our welfare was becoming well known, even in Europe! In November 2020, we were contacted by a British lady in France, who had helped to rescue 2 families of donkeys from a slaughterhouse, all of whom had been through a terrible time and needed a permanent home. The question was, could the IOW Donkey Sanctuary complete this rescue and give these beautiful donkeys a permanent home? With transport to arrange, a looming Brexit deadline and expenses to fund, this was always going to be a difficult rescue. 


After many challenges, ranging from vet checks, blood tests and passport issues, the donkeys finally arrived in February 2021 and settled in well. They are a truly loving, affectionate family who are enjoying their retirement at the Sanctuary, even the foals! They will stay here for the rest of their lives, in a life of luxury!

Jenny the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Jumpy


Likes:

Cuddles


Jenny is one of the most confident of the group and mother to Kitchi.

Adopt Jenny
Junon the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Josephine


Likes:

Snacks and cuddles


Junon is one of the most gentle and sweet donkeys who has been through a lot. She is the mother of Jiva and grandmother of Koko.

Javette the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Jiva


Likes:

Playing with boys!


Javette is a very tall, elegant lady who loves to play and get involved.

Josephine the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Jiva or Junon


Likes:

Playing with the herd


Josephine is one of the most shy of the group and is distinguishable by her big fluffy ears.

Hope the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Charity


Likes:

To make sure the whole herd is in a field before she enters


Hope continues to grow in confidence around people but can be a little cautious.

Jiva the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Josephine


Likes:

Stealing hay from wheelbarrows


Jiva is a little shy but continues to gain confidence. She is the mother of Koko.

Charity the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Hope


Likes:

To follow Hope


Charity is very sweet natured, but can still be a little shy, and normally found by Hope's side.

Kitchi the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Hovis


Likes:

Attention from the public


Kitchi has grown into a sweet, loveable giant that loves attention, and is followed everywhere by Hovis.

Adopt Kitchi
Jumpy the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Jenny


Likes:

Using people as a head stand


Jumpy is a very sweet donkey and loves to have head cuddles, but also loves nibbling!

Koko the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Lola


Likes:

Chasing and playing with Lola


Koko has grown into a very sweet girl who loves to have fun and play. She is the daughter of Jiva and granddaughter of Junon.

Adopt Koko

Hovis


Learn a little more about Hovis....

Hovis the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2021


Arrived from:

Bedfordshire


Best buddy:

Kitchi


Likes:

Staying by Kitchi's side

Hovis joined the Sanctuary as a 6 month old foal in October 2021, having lived with a small group of donkeys in Bedfordshire. Unfortunately, his mother had no interest in him and wasn’t the best donkey mum. However, Hovis' dad, Colin Jr, and half brother, Phantom, are here with him at the Sanctuary keeping a close eye on him!



Hovis idolises Kitchi and Phantom, and loves the freedom, space and attention he gets at the Sanctuary. He's very sweet and cuddly.

Adopt Hovis

Phoenix


Learn a little more about Phoenix....

Phoenix the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2020


Arrived from:

Isle of Wight


Best buddy:

Dougie


Likes:

Chasing the ponies

Phoenix is the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary’s first mule! She is definitely more swan than ugly duckling, she's a beautiful brown colour. Born in 2020, her dad was a very large donkey, her mum was a small miniature Shetland pony, and Phoenix is... a mixture of both!


She absolutely loves life at the Sanctuary. She is a spirited young mule, that is definitely more pony than she is a donkey!

Adopt Phoenix

Colin Jr


Learn a little more about Colin Jr....

Colin Jr the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2020


Arrived from:

Huntington


Best buddy:

Eiffion


Likes:

Personal space

Colin Jr is a beautiful brown donkey, who was just 3 years old when he joined us. Colin was really well looked after by his previous owner, and he lived with a group of 8 other donkeys. However, they were all older than Colin, and when he wanted to run and play, they wanted to chill and sleep! Colin Jr is dad to both Hovis and Phantom!


Colin Jr is sweet and very friendly, but prefers to stick more to himself in the herd.

Adopt Colin Jr

Phantom


Learn a little more about Phantom....

Phantom the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2021


Arrived from:

Huntingdon


Best buddy:

Luckie


Likes:

Zoomies around the field!

Phantom was living in a herd of 8 donkeys. Tragically, his mum suddenly died, and at just 6 months old he needed a new home. However, he does have family at the Sanctuary - Colin Jr is his dad and Hovis is his half brother.


Phantom is an extremely playful character who is full of energy!

Adopt Phantom

Rosie (Lee)


Learn a little more about Rosie (Lee)....

Rosie (Lee) the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2021


Arrived from:

Kent


Best buddy:

Jackie


Likes:

To bray as loud as she can!

Rosie is a beautiful brown donkey who arrived at the sanctuary shortly before Christmas, 2021. She is one of our growing ‘Clan from Kent’, which includes Wizzy, Angel, and Twinkle who also come from the ‘hop’ county.


Rosie is a happy young donkey who lived with a group of ageing ponies. Rosie often wanted to play, but the ponies frequently didn’t, and her answer was to mischievously bite them on the bum! Rosie’s owner felt that Rosie needed a group of donkeys to play with and asked if she could join us.


As we already had a Rosie at the sanctuary, we have given this Rosie a small addition of 'Lee' at the end of her name so that they can be differentiated.


Rosie is very loud and our leading ‘choristers’, Trevor and Coffee, have got real competition for the noisiest donkey award! She is an incredibly sweet donkey and absolutely adores people, so is always keen to come and say hello.

Adopt Rosie (Lee)

Wizzy


Learn a little more about Wizzy....

Wizzy the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2021


Arrived from:

Sandwich, Kent


Best buddy:

Geraldine


Likes:

To show off his trotting skills

Wizzy is a miniature donkey in beautiful condition, has been very well looked after by his owner, but he no longer had any other miniature donkeys to live with. His owner knew about the Sanctuary and wanted Wizzy to be able to continue doing the outreach work that he was used to doing in Kent, where he has come from. We were more than happy to bring Wizzy to Wroxall!


Wizzy apparently much prefers to be friends with girls rather than boys. This is just as well, because our miniatures: Angelica, Geraldine, Felicity and Bella, have not had a male companion since our beloved miniature Seamus passed away.


Wizzy is a big character in a small donkey, and loves as much attention as he can get!

Adopt Wizzy

Poppy


Learn a little more about Poppy....

Poppy the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Year of arrival:

2020


Arrived from:

Brighstone, Isle of Wight


Best buddy:

Archie Dodger


Likes:

Chilling with Archie Dodger

Poppy is a beautiful donkey, who arrived at the Sanctuary having been really well cared for by a loving family; however Poppy’s stable friend was a horse, who became too assertive for Poppy so the family thought she deserved to have some new donkey friends.


Her name will bring back memories for longstanding supporters who remember our original Poppy donkey, who was a famous figure at Wroxall until her passing in 2015. We hope the new Poppy will  have a life as long, as rich and as rewarding as she did.


Poppy is very sweet hearted, but can still be a little nervous around people.

Adopt Poppy

The 'Fab Four'


The 'Fab Four' are Dora, Mabel, Dolly and Lewi.

Year of arrival:

2021


Arrived from:

Bedfordshire

These ladies' lives changed when their owner’s personal circumstances altered and the farm they lived on in Bedfordshire had to be sold. Their owner was hoping to move to the IOW but put the needs of her donkeys first, and wanted a secure home for them. We were asked if we could take them, and of course we agreed to help out.


We needed a lot of help to bring them here! One of our horse boxes had retired permanently to the scrapheap in the sky, and our regular equine transporters were either fully booked or their own vehicles were off the road! A kind man from the mainland lived near the donkeys and offered to bring them over to the Island so that they could begin their new life.

Dora the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Mabel


Likes:

Mineral licks


Dora can be curious about everything, and is very sweet natured.

Mabel the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Dora


Likes:

Carrots


Mabel is very gentle and sweet, but can be a little shy at times. Mabel follows Dora's lead but is gaining more confidence.

Adopt Mabel
Dolly the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Hannah


Likes:

Mollichaff


Dolly is very sweet and calm and continues to become more curious.

Adopt Dolly
Lewi the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Lewi was friendly and very chilled out, unless she needed to see the vet!


Sadly Lewi passed away after a freak and tragic accident in September 2022.

The 'Gaelic Gang'


The 'Gaelic Gang' was a herd of five donkeys - Womble, Larry, Bear, Tim and Colin III.

Year of arrival:

2020


Arrived from:

Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

These boys have a harrowing story but with a hopeful ending! Womble, Larry, Bear, Tim and Colin III were originally rescued from Ireland by an English lady called Katherine, who answered a message that 5 Irish donkeys urgently needed rescuing. However, she was shocked at what she found, when they arrived at her home.


The donkeys were in a very poor state and her own vet ‘condition scored’ them at 1; the donkeys were underweight and in poor health. Shockingly, the donkeys’ previous owners had tried to castrate several of them in a DIY operation, leading to some internal damage and scars on parts of their body. Things were so bad that Katherine contacted the Royal Veterinary College for medical help. Several vets there were visibly upset at the condition of the donkeys.

Slowly but surely, Katherine and the team of vets nursed them back to health. The donkeys gradually put on weight and they became more healthy. Katherine was not able to look after them permanently but she wanted the best possible ‘forever’ home where they could continue their recovery, gain confidence and lead a happy life.


She contacted our Sanctuary to see if we could help, and of course we said yes.

The donkeys were slightly frightened and bemused at their sudden change in circumstances when they first arrived. They were isolated for several weeks in a nice double stable, and they had plenty of time to get used to all of our staff and volunteers, before they met any other donkeys .They hate the cold and wet, so a few duvet days went well with them!


They have since settled in really well, but unfortunately they are now a herd of 4 donkeys, as we sadly lost Colin III to a heart condition at the end of 2021.

Womble the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Bear


Likes:

Chasing his friends


Womble is very curious and friendly, and one of the most playful in his herd.

Adopt Womble
Larry the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Tim


Likes:

Annoying the girls


Larry is one of the shyer members of his herd but is a very fun character.

Bear the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Womble


Likes:

Playing and attention


Bear is very confident, friendly and loves to get attention, when he's not playing with the boys.

Adopt Bear
Tim the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Larry


Likes:

Winding up Larry, and wellie boots!


Tim is very gentle and calm, but goes a little giddy when there's a welly boot in sight!

Colin III  the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

He loved everyone


We know you've gone to greener fields, Colin. You'll never be forgotten.

The 'Welsh Four'


The 'Welsh Four' are Rosie, Amber, China and Buttons.

Year of arrival:

2019


Arrived from:

Swansea, Wales

Their owner had been suffering from a serious illness for a long time and wanted reassurance that his beloved donkeys could be given a safe and permanent home. These donkeys were amongst his personal pets and he asked if we could take care of them, keep them together and look after their welfare. We readily agreed - it's what we do!

Rosie the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Amber


Likes:

Perfecting her fringe


Rosie is Scooby’s daughter. She is inquisitive, loves spending time with her sisters and has the most stylish fringe you will ever see! She is very loud, but behaves beautifully for the vet and farrier. She is a real star with our local community.

Adopt Rosie
Amber the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Rosie


Likes:

Scoops


Amber is a gorgeous brown donkey, and is Myra’s foal. She is the quietest of the gang of the 'Welsh Four' donkeys. She is curious, likes people, loves being in the Girls herd, but is never far away from her sisters, China and Rosie. Amber learns quickly and she is proving to be a very popular donkey.

Adopt Amber
China the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

India


Likes:

Socialising


China is a young brown and white coloured donkey, and is India’s foal. She is engaging, adores human contact and loves chilling with her sisters, Rosie and Amber. Her relationship with people makes her the perfect Therapy Donkey!

Adopt China
Buttons the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Rambo


Likes:

Trouble!


Buttons went viral on Facebook when we ran an appeal to help him get ‘castrated’; Buttons was so ‘well endowed’ he had to go to the Liphook Equine Hospital on the mainland for ‘Buttons to lose his buttons’, rather than be sorted out locally here!


Buttons is a cheeky character! He thinks he is bigger than he is and likes causing dramas!

Adopt Buttons

The 'Frenchies' take two!


The 'Frenchies' is a herd of six donkeys that arrived from France.

Year of arrival:

2021


Arrived from:

France

These lovely ladies (and lad!) were a group of 6 unwanted donkeys, who arrived from France. Despite lots of efforts, a new home couldn't be found.


Here we have: Galentine and her Jenny foal Lola, Prune and her Jack foal Luckie, and two sisters, Belle Helene and Marie Ange.


We could only re-home these beautiful donkeys because we were building a new barn, which was funded by generous legacies/gift in a will.

Luckie the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Phantom


Likes:

Playing with his friends


Luckie is confident and very friendly. He loves playing the whole day with his best bud, Phantom.

Adopt Luckie
Prune the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Galentine


Likes:

Attention from humans


Prune is very friendly and confident. She loves to get cuddles and attention.

Lola the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Koko


Likes:

Spending time with Koko


Lola has really come out of her shell and is showing her friendly, playful and confident character.

Adopt Lola
Galentine the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Archie Dodger


Likes:

Sticking to herself or with 'dodger'


Galentine is quite quiet and reserved, but is slowly gaining confidence and showing her sweet side.

Belle Helene the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Marie Ange


Likes:

To follow her sister, Marie Ange


Belle Helene can still be cautious of people but is very friendly. She loves sticking with her sister.

Marie Ange the donkey at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

Best buddy:

Belle Helene


Likes:

Spending time with her sister, Belle Helene


Marie Ange spends most of her time with her sister. She is shy but continues to grow in confidence.

See more about our donkeys

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