Donkeys Find Their Valentine: A Bond That Could Lead to a Forever Home
By Jill Dando News
A pair of donkeys who had lost their bonded companions, have found friendship together at The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, Devon.
Now staff hope that the pair, Ivor and Abigail, will be suitable to go on and find a new forever home together on the charity’s Rehoming Scheme.
Ivor, a skewbald coloured donkey, was relinquished with his bonded companion Geronimo into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary, after their owner could no longer care for them. Sadly, Geronimo developed severe colic, a gastrointestinal condition, which he was unable to recover from and was euthanised on advice of vets.
Abigail arrived at the sanctuary as a single donkey. The eight-year-old grey mare had lost her close donkey companion in 2023, but as her Guardian owners were unable to rehome another companion to join Abigail in their home, she was brought back to the sanctuary in East Devon in the hope a new friend could be found.
To ensure biosecurity, donkeys coming into the sanctuary are required to spend some time in the New Arrivals Unit to prevent the potential spread of any diseases into the resident herd.
The minimum stay a donkey has in New Arrivals is six weeks, though some do end up staying a lot longer, depending on their needs and their health.
It was while here, that staff noticed Abigail was showing some interest in Ivor, who was in the stable next door.
She would put her nose up to the fence where the 14-year-old gelding was living, a sign she wanted companionship.
Donkeys are not suited to living on their own, and will form strong bonds with other donkeys, often for life.
Even among a herd, donkeys will usually pair with one or more donkey.
Sara Blair Salter, New Arrivals manager said:
“We could see the two donkeys were starting to form a bond over the fence, so we made the decision to introduce them. Abigail took the lead and was keen to meet Ivor, who seemed a bit more reserved. But it wasn’t long before they were stood next to each other sharing some mutual grooming, a clear sign they were starting to form a friendship, which was great for the team to see,”
After just a couple of days, the two donkeys were inseparable and with just a small period of training, it is hoped they will be ready for rehoming.
Currently, loving Guardian families care for over 1,500 donkeys on The Donkey Sanctuary’s Rehoming Scheme. Thanks to the Guardians’ commitment, the international animal welfare charity can continue to offer specialist sanctuary care to those donkeys who need it most.
A dedicated team of Donkey Welfare Advisers based regionally throughout the country, are on hand to support and answer any queries or concerns that the sanctuary’s Guardians may have.
If you think you could rehome a pair, or small group of donkeys, please visit The Donkey Sanctuary’s WEBSITE.
