Happy 34th Birthday Monte! At 34, Monte is the definition of grace. Like many miniature donkeys, he faces some dental challenges and he moves a little more slowly as he manages arthritis. But thanks to his glue-on shoes, he stays comfortable. He’s also been bravely managing some ongoing eye issues.
Our gardening team is looking forward to the start of gardening season! We're so grateful to Origin Native Plants for their kind donation of plants and trees to the DSC. These additions will help enhance our natural spaces and support local biodiversity.
Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day?
You can make a donation in her honour or let her choose a donkey to sponsor or surprise her with a gift admission.
Moms will receive 25% off boutique purchases made in person that day, so she can pick out something she loves.
#mother
Patrick has had a big change after losing his buddy Ringo, but he and Luigi have settled in well together, something that hasn’t always come naturally for him. He’s needed careful management.
Luigi, rescued with a PVC pipe on his leg, has taken everything in stride and is a calm, steady companion.
Carling enjoys a good roll while his friend Stuart keeps a watchful eye. He recently had a visit from the vet for some x-rays after a laminitis flare-up a few months ago.
He's doing fine, but will continue on a low dose of anti-inflammatory meds, along with glue-on shoes to keep him comfortable.
Annual General Meeting – May 27 at 7:00 PM
The DSC invites supporters to attend our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), taking place on May 27th at 7:00 PM .
Attend in person or virtually, whatever way suits you best. To receive full attendance details, please RSVP to lori@thedonkeysanctuary.ca
Have you noticed an increase in videos featuring extremely tiny “micro” donkeys? These are created using AI. There is no “micro” donkey breed beyond the miniature donkey. Animals that appear much smaller than that are not real. Princess Wilma, a miniature donkey, is the tiniest donkey at the DSC.
owl nesting box
Thankyou to Jared from Ontario Wildlife Removal for the donation of an owl nesting box.
We appreciate this gift, from a company committed to humane wildlife control.
Encouraging owls on the DSC grounds helps support a healthy, balanced ecosystem, as they naturally help manage rodent populations.
donkey face in hay
hand reaching out to pet donkey nose
people standing at fence looking into donkey paddock
Our Special Spring Celebration Day was filled with plenty of donkey moments. It was a joy to welcome everyone who came out to spend time with our donkeys and celebrate the season with us.
We can’t wait for the start of our regular season Open Days that start on May 3.
All bundled up and beating the chill.
Oliver and Duke are staying cozy in their blankets these days while they await the arrival of true spring weather!
Because sometimes the best way to weather a chilly day is with a cozy blanket and a very good friend.
We noticed that Walker had an unusual gait that our veterinarian believes may be due to a condition called shivers, a neuromuscular issue that affects the hind limbs. There’s no treatment, but it isn’t causing him any pain. We’ll keep a close eye on him to ensure he stays comfortable and supported.
After a good roll and a deep sleep, Heide woke up completely covered in hay, not a spot missed. It’s the kind of messy that only comes from feeling truly comfortable.
Safe, cozy, and a little bit ruffled, Heide in a nutshell.
#DonkeyLife #SanctuaryMoments #HayCovered #JustWokeUp
Happy World Frog Day!
While donkeys might be the heart of everything we do at the DSC, we’re also proud to share our home with the many small (and very important!) creatures who call our wetlands and ponds their own, including frogs!
#WorldFrogDay #Sanctuary #ProtectOurWetlands #BiodiversityMatters
We are sad to share the recent passing of our senior gelding Ringo.
He began experiencing age-related muscle weakness that made it difficult for him to stand after lying down. Despite vet care, his condition declined.
Ringo spent his final moments enjoying treats with the staff who cared for him.
Happy St. “Patrick’s” Day from our special birthday boy!
Patrick is 29 today.
While he doesn't make donkey friends easily, he's slowly learning that it's okay to share his space.
We’re celebrating Patrick for exactly who he is. Full of personality, a bit particular, and completely one-of-a-kind!
The milder temperatures today seem to suit Arean just fine. Out in the Special Care paddock, she’s enjoying the milder air and a calm start to the day. After a long stretch of winter weather, these gentler temperatures are a welcome change for everyone!
It was a lovely, springlike morning, and Ricky, Beans, and Burrito were out enjoying the fresh air along with the other donkeys.
Beans and Ricky were spotted nose to nose, sharing a quiet chat.
Sunshine, fresh air, and good company make for a pretty perfect start to the day for all the donkeys.
Tucker has been settling in nicely and we’re happy to share a little update on his progress!
Tucker has been doing well with his hoof handling. We’re focusing on his front feet and will gradually work toward his hind feet as he becomes more comfortable. Every small step is a big win for this boy!
For about a month, we were treating an issue with Miss Jenny's blind eye.
After careful consideration, the decision was made to remove the eye and we’re happy to share that the procedure went very well.
If you’ve ever met Miss Jenny, you know she may be small, but her spirit is anything but!
March is birthday month for Marci and Patrick!
Patrick came to us in 2021 when his owner’s health declined and he wanted to ensure Patrick would have lifelong care here.
Marci’s journey to us goes back to 2001, when she travelled from Salt Spring Island with her parents and her brother Gemini.
two donkeys with snow in the background
Sam and Luna are back at the DSC Sanctuary farm from their Host Farm. They were well cared for but after a vet visit and dental exam, it was clear Luna now needs special dental and senior care.
Sam is her steady companion so he has returned with her so she can receive the extra support she needs.
poster with pictures of donkeys
The DSC is inviting donkey owners and caregivers across the country to take part in a survey designed to better understand how donkeys are cared for today. Take the survey here:
uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/.../SV_exEXC...
Every response helps us improve care and advocate for donkeys across Canada.
Join us at the DSC on Palm Sunday, March 29, for a Spring Celebration Open Day!
From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. celebrate the season of renewal with us.
Purchase tickets:
www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/special-open...
Use promo code PALM at checkout to receive 25% off your tickets for this special day!
Save the Date!
Spring Community Work Day at the DSC.
Sat April 11 10am to 2pm
The Community Work Day is a great volunteer opportunity. Help get the Sanctuary ready for visitors! The donkeys will be waiting to welcome you!
Sign up by emailing volunteer@thedonkeysanctuary.ca
It's World Spay Day. Our resident cats, Caramel, Supernova, and Captain, are spayed or neutered so we don’t contribute to overpopulation. They may be small compared to our donkeys, but they’re an important part of our sanctuary!
#WorldSpayDay #AnimalWelfare #ResponsibleCare #DonkeySanctuaryOfCanada
Opal may be small, but don’t let her size fool you. This little donkey has a BIG personality!
Opal is enjoying life in the diet paddock where our team is carefully managing her weight.
Full of charm, confidence, and a little bit of sass, Opal keeps us all smiling every day!
Gerry’s journey began with uncertainty. He and his two offspring mules were left on a farm without proper shelter or food. Concerned neighbours reached out, and they were quickly brought to safety at the DSC where their new chapter began in 2016 .
www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/donkey/gerry/
Our truck has travelled thousands of kilometres to help donkeys in need.
It’s brought approx 90% of the donkeys and mules who now call the Sanctuary home safely through our gates.
But after years of hard work, it’s time for a replacement.
You can help!
www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/driving-for-...
What does a donkey sanctuary have to do with agriculture? Quite a lot, actually.
We are a working farm and proud to be part of a rural agricultural community. We’re connected to the land, to local farmers, and to the rhythms of rural life.
#DonkeySanctuary #RuralCommunity #WorkingFarm #Agriculture