Welcome to our new residents

31 March 2026

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.”

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Summer at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

by abigail.fox • 17 June 2026

Feel good summer fun!

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 .