In May we proposed the closure of our Donkey Assisted Activity (DAA) centres in Birmingham, Ivybridge, Leeds, and Manchester and for Belfast to become a small sanctuary and re-homing centre.
This proposal was made to ensure we can make the best use of our donors’ money and effectively reach the millions of donkeys who desperately need our support, in the UK and around the world.
After a period of consultation, no changes have been made to these proposals. Operational activities at the four centres have now ceased, and Belfast will soon reopen as a small sanctuary and rehoming centre.
Our main site in Sidmouth, Devon, remains open as always to our visitors and supporters.
As a result of the DAA closures our regional social media pages (Birmingham, Ivybridge, Leeds & Manchester and Belfast) will be closing shortly. On 6 August, we launched three new ‘Adopt A Donkey’ social media channels on Facebook, Instagram and X. These channels will act as a one-stop hub for all our adopters, continuing the role of providing the latest news and dedicated updates on your adopted friend.
FAQs
Where do I go now to get my adoption donkey social media updates?
You can now head to @AdoptADonkey on Facebook and @AdoptADonkey on X, and @AdoptADonkey_IG on Instagram to stay up to date with your adoption donkey as before. Follow or hit like on our pages to continue to see when we post.
When are the existing social media pages closing (Manchester/ Ivybridge/Birmingham/Leeds/ Belfast)?
These pages will become inactive on 16 August. Please note that we will be unable to respond to comments or direct message enquiries on these pages from this date.
Where are the Belfast adoption donkeys (Felicity & Marko)?
There are no plans to move donkeys from our Belfast site, therefore Felicity and Marko will continue to live in Belfast.
Belfast will soon reopen as a small sanctuary and rehoming centre. Please keep an eye on our ‘Belfast - Visit Us’ page on the website for re-opening updates
Where are the Birmingham adoption donkeys (Jimmy & Jasper)?
Both Jimmy and Jasper have moved to our Sidmouth sanctuary in Devon where they are being assessed to find the most suitable shelter for them.
Jimmy and Jasper are settling in, so it is not currently possible to visit these donkeys.
We will write to adopters with more information about what this means for their adoption in the coming weeks
Where is the Ivybridge adoption donkey (Tornado)?
The plan is for Tornado to move to our Sidmouth sanctuary in August where he will be assessed to find the most suitable shelter for him.
We will write to adopters with more information about what this means for their adoption in the coming weeks.
Where are the Leeds adoption donkeys (Harbin, Tat & Theo)?
Harbin will be retiring from the adoption scheme due to his ongoing health condition. He has moved to our Derbyshire site where our staff are able to give him the expert care he needs. We will be contacting Harbin’s adopters in August to let them know what this means for their adoption and to introduce them to a new donkey.
Tat and Theo will remain on the adoption scheme and have moved to our Sidmouth sanctuary in Devon where they are being assessed to find the most suitable shelter for them.
Tat and Theo are settling in, so it is not currently possible to visit these donkeys.
We will write to adopters with more information about what this means for their adoption in the coming weeks.
Where are the Manchester adoption donkeys (Sam & Hector)?
Due to his musculoskeletal health issues the decision has been made to retire Sam and his bonded partner Hector from the adoption scheme.
With correct veterinary support they were able to move the short distance to their new forever home with one of our Guardian’s where Sam’s health needs can be met.
We will write to Sam & Hector’s adopters in the coming weeks to let them know what this means for their adoption and to introduce them to a new donkey.
When will we find out more about our adoption donkeys?
Donkey welfare and wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our priority has been to give our expert veterinary professionals the time they need to carefully plan the movement of donkeys, to include a period of isolation as they settle into their new homes. The donkeys are being kept under close supervision and will continue to be given the best care possible to support their individual and ongoing needs.
We will write to adopters with more information about what this means for their adoption in the coming weeks.
Will donkeys be kept with their bonded friends when they move to their new home?
Donkeys form incredibly strong bonds, and we would never split up a bonded pair. Ahead of any moves the donkeys have been assessed to identify any friendships that need to stay together.