Ashley's story

When you adopt a donkey for yourself or as a gift for someone you love, you are helping us to be there for donkeys when they need it most.

Ashley, for example, overcame extraordinary odds to become the happy donkey he is today.

We do not breed donkeys, but when a mare comes into our care in foal, we are able to offer safe futures for both mare and foal, thanks to your support.

This remarkable boy was born at The Donkey Sanctuary in 2009. Tragically, despite our veterinary team’s best efforts through a difficult labour, his mother died during the birth and Ashley was left orphaned.

Unable to find a suitable foster mum for Ashley, our dedicated staff – under direction from our veterinary team - mucked in and took turns to bottle feed him by hand through day and night. Without this Ashley would have faced an uncertain future, without the chance to grow into the confident donkey he is today. 

Ashley has gone from strength to strength and, having been introduced to Zena and Mr Khan as foals, it’s little surprise that these three remain the best of friends. 

Ashley was definitely the leader when they were all foals. In fact, Zena and Mr Khan would follow him everywhere and even try to drink out of Ashley’s milk bowl. 

Now Ashley is all grown up he has become a sociable donkey and formed many friendships within his herd. He is particularly close with a donkey called Christian, who he spends most of his time with. Despite his close bond with Christian, he very much still plays with his lifelong pals Zena and Mr Khan.

At the age of 15 Ashley’s grooms noticed that there was something wrong with his left eye. On closer inspection, we discovered that he had a deep corneal ulcer. Initial treatment pain relief and topical antibiotics, but these were unable to resolve the issue. Ahsley’s health and happiness are our top priorities, and to allow him to continue to live his life to the fullest if was decided that the best thing to do was to remove his eye.  

Thankfully, the operation was a complete success and Ashley has healed fantastically well. We are optimistic that he will still lead a happy, fulfilled life going forward.  

Adopt Ashley for yourself or someone you love and help ensure lifelong care for him and his friends here at The Donkey Sanctuary.