Donkeys
At Redwings we have a very special herd of donkeys that need lots of care and attention. They are very popular with our visitors and our staff alike – the lure of the donkey’s soulful eyes and long ears make them appealing as pets, but there is far more to the donkey than first meets the eye.
Special Little Souls
Donkeys come from the warm, dry climate of North East Africa. Their thick hair protects them from cold nights, but their coats are not waterproof because they do not contain the same oils as horses and ponies. This means they cannot cope with driving rain or snow, as moisture is able to penetrate their coat and reach the skin where it will quickly drain their body heat. All our donkeys are provided with a well ventilated shelter or stable at all times and we find the majority of our donkeys also benefit from a waterproof rug as extra protection in the winter.
If possible we also try to keep our donkeys together as they can bond very strongly with their friends. A story related to us by another sanctuary tells of two donkeys that were newcomers to the rest home. On their arrival the pair stood at the top of the horsebox ramp and brayed loudly. A handful of the donkeys that had been homed at the sanctuary several years earlier cantered towards the gate returning their call. Upon investigation it was found that the donkeys had all worked together on Blackpool beach. Despite the passing years the donkeys remembered their long lost friends and had recognised each other’s calls.
Donkeys can be very stoic, quieter and less expressive than horses and ponies so people often think this means they are less sensitive. In fact, donkeys are very susceptible to both physical and psychological stress, but symptoms can easily go overlooked until a problem has overwhelmed them. For example, while in a horse colic is very easy to diagnose, often the only symptoms a donkey with colic will display is loss of appetite, or perhaps slightly elevated breathing. This means our carers have to get to know the donkeys really carefully so they can spot any changes very quickly.
Despite their small stature, donkeys are also extremely strong and can be willful – for example they are excellent escape artists and they must have secure fencing and all gates must be securely fastened to ensure they don’t wander off! They are highly intelligent creatures that need plenty of care and attention and can become grumpy, and even ill, if left unattended and lonely. Before acquiring a donkey, all its’ needs must be considered. As with any equine, they should always be handled with patience, care and respect.
