Del Boy

Cheeky Del Boy the donkey had big ears and an even bigger personality!

Location: Ada Cole, Essex

Height: 10hh

Breed: Donkey

Colour: Brown

If you would like to support our work, you can donate in memoriam for a one off payment from just £5.

Del Boy came to Redwings with his best friend (and partner in crime!) Rodney and four ponies in 2010 when the animal education centre we were living at sadly had to close due to the recession.

Del Boy and Rodney delighted visitors to Redwings Ada Cole with their rough and tumble games, and love for playing up to a crowd. When Rodney had to move to Redwings HQ in Norfolk, Del Boy and Dotty formed a very strong friendship, albeit one much more based on love and cuddles!

Del Boy was a much loved Adoption Star, and always recognised by his distinctive stripy legs. He was retired from the Adoption Scheme in 2019 due to issues with osteoarthritis and poor hoof quality. The team at Redwings Ada Cole did a wonderful job to look after him as he enjoyed a quieter life.

Del Boy passed away in March 2025, after we were sadly unable to keep him pain free.

In the words of his famous namesake, Del Boy was truly 'lovely jubbly' and we will always miss him.

Adopt a new friend today

Receive a wonderful adoption pack

Sponsor a horse or donkey from as little as £2 a month via direct debit or make a one-off donation and you’ll receive a wonderful adoption pack.

What’s included

Three postal updates a year from your new friend including one at Christmas!
Your Adoption Star’s photo and rescue story
Quarterly email updates with photos from your Adoption Star Friend
An invitation to their birthday party – yes really!
A certificate of adoption
A factsheet all about your chosen animal
A bookmark featuring your Adoption Star

You will also receive our twice-yearly newsletter or children’s magazine so you can keep up with all the latest news from Redwings!

How adoption works

1. Pick a horse or donkey to sponsor

Whether you’re a fan of a good sing-song or love nothing more than snooze, find your perfect Adoption Star partner for yourself or your loved one!

2. Set up your adoption

For gift adoptions we will need to get a few extra details to know who to send adoption star updates too.

3. Receive your adoption star pack

Your wonderful adoption pack includes a special certificate, stunning photo of your new friend and their story.

4. Get regular updates

We'll keep you up to date on how you're supporting our vital work including sending your adoption star updates with photos and stories throughout the year.

Adoption scheme FAQs

We aim to send your pack as quickly as possible and you can usually expect it to arrive within five working days. However, delivery can take up to 21 days, especially in busy times, so please be patient. x

You can renew your adoption here or call our supporter engagement team on 01508 505246.

The majority of our adoption stars all live at one of our visitor centres around the UK.

Opening times vary, you can find all the details here. Entry is free of charge and as part of your adoption package you'll receive an invite to their birthday party at the centre where they live - yes really!

Monarch is a 'special adoption' who currently lives at a closed site but we hope you'll be able to visit him in the not too distant future when he's had a bit more training!

Of course you can! Adopting a horse or a donkey for a loved one or friends makes a thoughtful and unique gift – perfect for Christmas, Easter or birthdays!

When you come to purchase your adoption, you can choose to have the adoption pack posted directly to the recipient, or you can opt to have the pack posted directly to you so you can give the gift at a time of your choosing.

After many years as well-loved Adoption Stars, we feel it’s only right that these wonderful residents have the chance to enjoy a peaceful retirement in their golden years.

If your Adoption Star retires, it doesn’t mean you still can’t sponsor them. It just means we won’t be accepting any new sponsors for that particular Adoption Star. You’ll still receive updates from your four-legged friend and can give them a cuddle at the visitor centre where they live.

Adopt one of Del Boy's friends

Elvis

Dotty

Zippy

Del Boy

Del Boy came to Redwings with his best friend (and partner in crime!) Rodney and four ponies in 2010 when the animal education centre we were living at sadly had to close due to the recession.

Receive a wonderful adoption pack

How adoption works

1. Pick a horse or donkey to sponsor

2. Set up your adoption

3. Receive your adoption star pack

4. Get regular updates

Adoption scheme FAQs

Adopt one of Del Boy's friends

Elvis

Dotty

Zippy

Welfare is at the heart of everything we do

Del Boy

Del Boy came to Redwings with his best friend (and partner in crime!) Rodney and four ponies in 2010 when the animal education centre we were living at sadly had to close due to the recession.

Receive a wonderful adoption pack

How adoption works

1. Pick a horse or donkey to sponsor

2. Set up your adoption

3. Receive your adoption star pack

4. Get regular updates

Adoption scheme FAQs

When will I receive my adoption pack?

How do I renew my adoption?

How do I visit my adoption friend?

Can I purchase an adoption for a friend or loved one?

What happens if my Adoption Star retires?

Adopt one of Del Boy's friends

Elvis

Dotty

Zippy

Elvis

Dotty

Zippy

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Welfare is at the heart of everything we do