Owning donkeys is one of the most pleasurable activities that anyone could hope for. Obtaining them, however, is not that simple. Markets and dealers can be fraught with problems. You never can be sure of how old or how healthy the donkeys are. You may know of someone who shows or breeds donkeys, but these may be expensive and there are not many available.
Here at The Donkey Sanctuary we have a fostering scheme which may help you obtain a pair of healthy donkeys. Not all the donkeys that come into the Sanctuary are old or in poor condition, many are young and fit, and would benefit from being in a foster home.
To obtain donkeys from The Donkey Sanctuary, you will have to have a minimum of one acre of well-fenced land with a shelter for them. Part of the fostering scheme is that you will receive a day's training in Basic Donkey Care. In return you will receive two fully vetted donkeys on permanent loan that you will be responsible for.
The Donkey Sanctuary has a network of welfare officers to give you any advice you may require.
By giving a home to two of our healthy donkeys, you will help make room at the Sanctuary for less fortunate donkeys, who need constant care and attention.
Because donkeys are sociable animals who like company, the Sanctuary only allows them out to foster homes in pairs.
If you would like further information, please contact us.
Irene and Rua find a loving foster home
In January 1997 thirteen donkeys were rescued from appalling conditions in Co Wexford. Many of the mares in this group were in foal when they came in and subsequently gave birth here at The Sanctuary.
Lorraine gave birth to Jacinta one of our adoption donkeys and Tiffany, who we featured on our website recently, gave birth to Noelie and are now in a new foster home in Co Mayo.
Tiffany and Noelie settle into their foster home
We’ve decided to give you an update on Tiffany and Noelie who travelled to their new home in Co Mayo earlier this year. Their new foster mom Margaret sends us regular updates and we are very grateful to her for this.
She tells us that they have become real pets however Tiffany is still a little shy with strangers and Noelie is very protective of her.
They live in a lovely paddock adjacent to Margaret’s home and after a shaky start with Rusty the dog they are now good friends.
