This image is published by The Donkey Sanctuary, under the terms of the Creative Commons Licence.

From left to right: Timmy, Jacinta, Julie-Anne, Lorcan with Richie in the background.

Timmy's mother unfortunately rejected him at birth.

Jacinta was born here at the Sanctuary.

Julie-Anne was born on 2nd July 2007. Her mother, Raynah, was rescued and was found to be pregnant on her arrival to the Sanctuary.

Lorcan's ears were badly damaged.

Richie was orphaned at just 10 days old after his mother died of septicaemia. Unweaned foals are difficult to rear successfully, even with the expertise and resources available to Sanctuary staff. The combination of needing to provide a suitable milk substitute, at regular intervals right around the clock, for weeks on end is critical. We also have to hope the foal is not too stressed by strange surroundings and the loss of its mother.