Annie and Delilah enjoy remarkable transformation

Annie and Delilah were rescued as part of one of our largest and most complex rescues that took place in Carmarthenshire in 2021.

The multi-agency rescue was the result of lots of hard work and collaboration between The Donkey Sanctuary and several other animal welfare organisations.

More than 70 donkeys were rescued on the day – with many of them now leading significantly happier lives in our care thanks to continued behavioural and physical veterinary support.

Miniature donkeys Annie and Delilah were terrified when they first arrived at our new arrivals farm in Devon, and required gentle, patient coaxing to exit the donkey transporter to the safety and warmth of their waiting stable.

Josie recalls: “It was heartbreaking to witness these two tiny foals without a mum trembling at the top of the ramp. They didn’t know that their lives were just beginning with The Donkey Sanctuary.”

Despite their nervous start to sanctuary life, Annie and Delilah soon began to show more confidence around the grooms.

Josie says: “Kind, consistent handling was key to helping Annie and Deliliah build trust in us. 

“They were handled almost immediately after their arrival due to a need for veterinary and farrier treatment.”

Annie and Delilah had unusually long hooves for donkeys of their age. Thankfully, with the attention of a farrier, they soon became spry on their feet and their true characteristics shone through.

“They love to run and play,” Josie says. “We will often spot them chasing one another in their field, along with some of the other miniature donkeys. They will lift their heads up high and kick their legs out.

“When they’re not playing, they like to spend their time around the grooms who make sure they receive plenty of pats and scratches.”

Today the pair are still inseparable and have made friends with another donkey called Phylis, who was also rescued in Carmarthenshire as a foal.

Josie says: “The trio live happy, carefree lives and have settled in tremendously well. They love human contact, which is testament to how trusting donkeys can be even when they have had such a difficult start to life.”