Rescued donkeys find guardian angel on rehoming scheme

Donkeys Daisy and Dora were rescued back in 2019, while Parsley and Sage came into our care in 2020 and were signed over to us the following year. Now, all the donkeys have been rehomed after a wonderful Guardian named Zac stepped forward to give them a loving home with him in Cheshire.

Daisy and Dora

Daisy, 20, and Dora, 16, were discovered living in dangerous conditions at a location in East Yorkshire. The mares were kept in a field full of ragwort, a plant which is toxic to equines. It was also littered with fallen wire netting and loose barbed wire, which could have caused them serious injury.

The pair needed dental care and had overgrown hooves that required farrier treatment. Daisy and Dora were taken into possession by police and placed into our care pending the outcome of a prosecution brought by the RSPCA. Following a successful conviction, Daisy and Dora were officially passed into our ownership in 2023.

Parsley and Sage

Donkeys Parsley and Sage lived in a field in Yorkshire with two others, named Saffron and Sorrel. The group of four, affectionally known as ‘The Herbs’, were kept in a paddock that was scattered with electric fencing tape, piping, nails and plastic wrapping, and it was clear to our welfare advisers they were all in need of urgent veterinary and farriery care.

As with Daisy and Dora, their care needs were not being met, and alongside the hazardous environment, their field also contained poisonous ragwort. We worked with the police and RSPCA to bring the donkeys to safety and ensure they received the care they needed. Their owner later decided it was in the donkeys’ best interest to sign them over into our care.

Early in 2023, Daisy developed a degenerative and painful eye condition, and after consultation with vets it was decided the best course of action was to remove her eye. Daisy recovered well from the operation and her progress was carefully monitored in the months that followed.

With careful management, Daisy and Dora’s health stabilised and Daisy adjusted to life with one eye. With the support of our Veterinary team, our Welfare team felt that Daisy and Dora would benefit from the quieter surroundings and one-to-one care that a Guardian home could offer.

Parsley and Sage also recovered well from their ordeal, and were later considered suitable to join our Rehoming Scheme. Many of the donkeys coming into our care have ongoing health conditions or behaviour support. Before donkeys join our Rehoming Scheme, we match them with Guardians who can meet their individual needs.

A new home

Thanks to Zac, all four donkeys have now found a home on his small farm that can provide them all the ongoing care they require, and just as importantly, a loving environment for the rest of their lives.

Zac explained: “I had thought about buying donkeys, but after chatting with my neighbour who volunteers at a donkey sanctuary, I was inspired to look into rehoming donkeys instead. I researched things further online prior to signing up to becoming a Guardian, then decided to take part in the training course that the sanctuary offers.”

Zac was asked how he felt about rehoming donkeys that would need extra care and daily medication, and said he is more than happy to do it.

“My local Donkey Welfare Adviser (DWA) looked at the space I was planning to provide for the donkeys, to make sure the environment is safe for them,” Zac continued. “I also reached out to a local vet to seek their opinion on the space as I knew that the donkeys would need more attention and medical care.”

When checks were completed, a date was set, and in February of this year Daisy and Dora walked down the ramp of the donkey transporter and into their new home. Zac cares for a menagerie of animals on his hobby farm, including chickens, ducks, dogs, cats and a cockerel, and as he was new to keeping donkeys, he took his time to build their trust.

To ensure he was fully supported throughout the rehoming journey, our welfare adviser kept in regular contact with Zac in the days leading up to Daisy and Dora’s arrival. He was also relieved to find they were always at the end of the phone to offer advice and guide him through the process.

After a few months Zac could see that Daisy and Dora were becoming extremely settled in their new home. Each morning they’d greet him with brays, then the two would run over and nudge his arm with their soft muzzles for a cuddle.

After our local DWA saw how well they were all doing, they discussed with Zac the possibility of providing care to another pair of donkeys. Zac loved the idea, so in May of this year Sage, a beautiful white mare, and Parsley, a brown gelding, arrived at his home.

To begin with, the two pairs were kept in separate paddocks, allowing Parsley and Sage to get used to their new surroundings and Daisy and Dora to get used to their new companions. But they were soon introduced and Zac was delighted to see they all got on well.

“The biggest highlight has to be the joy the donkeys give to everyone who visits the farm,” said Zac, “especially my nieces and nephews, who visit every weekend and give the donkeys so much attention and love. It not only teaches them how to care and respect animals, but also gives them a sense of responsibility, as well as great memories.

“We’ve also had the local forest school for children and a childminding group come and visit the donkeys, which is lovely to see. This not only educates the younger children, but also the means my donkeys are a focal point for community engagement.”

Adele Crompton, Donkey Welfare Adviser, said: “As a welfare adviser, I’m delighted to see Zac giving Daisy, Dora, Parsley and Sage a forever home. His dedication to caring for their specific health needs and creating a safe, loving environment has truly transformed their lives. It’s wonderful to see these donkeys thriving and so well cared for in their new home.”

Zac added: “It’s been a learning curve – understanding their unique behaviours, dietary needs and health requirements has taken some time, especially being new to donkey ownership.

“But the bond that you form and the trust you build with animals is incredibly rewarding, and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know their individual characters.”

After being rescued from dangerous and potentially life-threatening conditions, the four donkeys now have the future they deserve. By providing a safe loving home for Daisy, Dora, Parsley and Sage, Zac has proved himself to be a true donkey champion.

Our rehoming scheme places suitable donkeys with Donkey Guardians in private homes throughout the UK. The rehoming scheme helps to free up vital sanctuary space for donkeys most in need of ongoing care. Donkey Guardians are supported by a local Donkey Welfare Adviser, who are on hand to provide all the advice and training they will need.