How we reach the donkeys that need us the most
World-leading equine operations
We tailor our approach to the unique challenges faced by donkeys in different regions. Using our world-leading expertise in donkey welfare, we design targeted solutions to meet the specific needs of these animals based on their context.
Our Equine Operations directorate brings together over 400 welfare experts, each specializing in different aspects of donkey care: from rescuing donkeys and shaping their behaviour to collaborating with individual owners and communities. Our experts also develop and perform life-saving surgical techniques and train vets globally.
This unique combination of expertise can deliver the comprehensive care donkeys need, wherever they are.
Research and expertise
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to advancing the global understanding of donkey welfare and we continually contribute to veterinary science and behaviour change through peer-reviewed research and pioneering studies.
Equally important is our collaboration with communities who have a deep, generational knowledge of working with donkeys. By blending scientific research with lived experiences, we create and share knowledge that delivers impactful change in donkey welfare worldwide.
Advocating for donkeys
We are relentless in our pursuit of a better world for donkeys. By advocating for their welfare at local, national, and international levels, we influence policy and legislation, making it easier for everyone to act in the best interests of these animals.
Our recognised authority in the field gives us a platform to speak at some of the world’s most influential legislative and environmental forums, where we work to ensure that donkeys—indeed all animals—are valued and protected.
Vision, mission and impact
Our vision
A world where every donkey has a good quality of life.
Our mission
Improving the lives of donkeys every day.
Our impact
We make a better world for donkeys.
Partnerships that make a difference
We treat every interaction as a two-way opportunity to learn. Together, we can help our networks of partners, communities, and individuals become donkey welfare ambassadors where they live and work.
We work in partnership with other organisations to broaden our impact and help us reach donkeys most effectively so that they can benefit from access to our knowledge, expertise and resources.
Strategy and decision making
Welfare
We make positive and sustainable changes to the everyday lives of donkeys by improving their environment, nutrition, behaviour, and health.
Knowledge
We develop, discover, and share expertise, knowledge, and understanding to improve donkey welfare.
Voice
We speak up for donkeys by challenging poor welfare and advocating for better.
Community
We demonstrate the benefits of donkeys and people living and working in harmony together.
Our executive team oversees the daily operations of the charity, with each member bringing expertise in their specialised areas, all under the guidance of our chief executive.
Driven by our values
Our values guide how we treat others and make our decisions.
Compassion
We help donkeys, and the people who rely on them for their livelihoods, to cope with physical, mental and emotional challenges.
Collaboration
We treat every interaction as a two-way opportunity to learn. Together, we can all become donkey welfare ambassadors.
Creativity
The need for our work is enormous but our resources are finite. This means that we must exercise creativity to fulfil our mission.
Committed to transparency and accountability
At The Donkey Sanctuary, we believe in total transparency and accountability. We are committed to openly sharing how we spend our money to make a positive impact.
Our Trustee’s Annual Report and Accounts provide detailed insights into our funding sources, expenditures, and the programs they support. By making this information accessible, we ensure that our donors, supporters and partners can trust that their contributions make a real difference to donkeys.
Find out more
Explore our worldwide work and learn how we adapt our strategies to improve the quality of life for donkeys globally.
Learn about our mission and values, and meet the diverse team of experts who deliver our work.
Learn more about our impact on donkeys and explore some of our recent successes.
