Learning to live again

With no access to water or food for some time, Amelia, Romily and Jazz were discovered living alongside the carcasses of two donkeys. Thankfully we were alerted to the plight of these donkeys earlier this year and because of your generosity we were able to respond.

Early this year, welfare adviser Jane Bruce responded to a concern around some donkeys in Co. Antrim. On arrival at a patch of waste ground, Jane was shocked to discover three emaciated donkeys living among the carcasses of two other donkeys.

The donkeys had no access to food and water for some time. All of the donkeys’ hip bones and spines were lacking coverage and dramatically prominent.

Despite their horrific living conditions, the donkeys were sweet natured and gentle. Even in starvation, they still had the capacity to trust humans.

Realising the urgency of the situation, Jane contacted the local animal welfare authorities who immediately seized the donkeys. At this stage she feared the worst, “I honestly didn’t think they were going to make it due to their weak and emaciated state”.

After we observed all the legalities, the three donkeys were signed into our care. We named the gelding Jazz and the two mares Amelia and Romily.
Alarmingly, both mares were discovered to be in foal. Sadly Amelia lost her foal, whilst Romily was in a similar condition we feared the worst for her too.

While we were glad to have the donkeys in our care, we knew that a steep road to rehabilitate these animals lay ahead.

Recovery in sanctuary

Following several months of intense care and a careful feeding regime the donkeys have all steadily put on weight and their health is greatly improved.
Amelia and Jazz have proven to be firm friends. Romily’s weight gain became more notable and in June she gave birth to a beautiful filly foal called Ebony.

Ebony was born into sanctuary and, unlike her mother, she will never know starvation and cruelty. We are now seeking a new guardian home for Amelia
and Jazz. Romily and Ebony will be suitable for rehoming once Ebony has matured.

Our rescue and rehabilitation of these donkeys would not be possible without your continued generosity and support and any donation that
you can give will help us make a positive difference to donkeys and mules across Ireland.

To learn more about our rehoming scheme please visit http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ie/rehome
Thank you.