Donkeys

Gentle, intelligent and calm

Donkeys are members of the Equidae family, which also includes horses and zebras. They have been domesticated for over 5,000 years and have been a cornerstone in human existence and they still prop up entire communities today, ferrying water, food and crops.

Donkeys are smaller than horses and have a more robust build. Their coat is typically grey or brown, with a thick mane and a dark stripe that runs down their back and crosses at the shoulders. Donkeys have a lifespan of around 25 to 30 years, although some can live well into their 40s with proper care.

Donkeys are highly intelligent creatures, sociable and calm, capable of independent thinking and decision making. They are strong and won’t do something they consider unsafe, which makes them a great, trusted companion. Donkeys are, quite simply, amazing.

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Featured rescue stories

Lily
Stories from the field
Lily
Lily came to Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary with her donkey friends Phil and
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Señorita
Stories from the field
Señorita
Señorita arrived at Where Pigs Fly in 2019 with her donkey friends Phil and
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Bob
Stories from the field
Bob
Bob and his long-term paddock companion, Annie the Clydesdale, urgently needed
Read More

Donkey facts

Donkeys have an excellent memory and can recognise areas and other donkeys they were with up to 25 years ago.
Donkeys have a natural inclination to a solitary life, contrary to horses, which makes them great for guarding livestock.
A donkey’s large ears do more than just detect sound; they also help with cooling.

Despite their reputation for stubbornness, donkeys are very intelligent, cautious animals with a strong sense of self-preservation.

"In the eyes of a donkey, you can find a depth of kindness and a profound wisdom that is both humbling and inspiring."

- Anonymous

Sanctuary life

We provide a haven for donkeys who have previously suffered from neglect, abuse or abandonment. Every donkey who finds their way to us is treated as an individual with their own unique needs and personality.

We believe in allowing our donkey residents to live as naturally as possible. They are given the freedom to roam our vast pastures, where they can graze, play, or simply bask in the sun. We also encourage socialisation with other donkeys, fostering a sense of community and companionship.

Understanding that donkeys are intelligent and sensitive creatures, we interact with them with patience, respect, and love.

"Donkeys are the philosophers of the animal world; slow-paced, thoughtful and with a wise gaze that observes and understands."

- Anonymous

Overworked and left in agony to die.

 

Beast of burden
There are over 44 million donkeys worldwide and sadly so many are subjected to neglect and abuse, overworked, and left in agony to die. This happens due to a lack of education, a lack of understanding of what good care looks like and, the hardships of day-to-day life facing families and communities across the world. Many drive their donkeys into the grave simply out of a need to survive, to ensure their children and families are fed and sheltered. And when those families can no longer depend on their donkeys, often its women, children and particularly girls who feel the impact most. Everyone’s lives are destroyed.
Donkey skin trade

More recently we’ve seen the horrific impact of the illegal and unsustainable donkey skin trade. Donkeys across the world are being stolen from families that rely on them, slaughtered, and skinned. All because the gelatine in their hide is a key ingredient in a traditional Chinese medicine called ejiao. With a growing middle class, demand for ejiao has sky-rocketed and now its big business.

What can you do?

Donkeys are intelligent, gentle, and hardworking animals that have played an important role in human history. They deserve respect and care, and when provided with a loving home and proper care, they can be loyal and affectionate companions. By supporting rescue organisations such as Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary and raising awareness of donkey welfare, you can help ensure these remarkable animals lead happy and healthy lives.