The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary has 97 donkeys and 26 ponies, all of whom are either rescued or abandoned. They are given a ‘forever home’ in 55 acres of countryside in the Wroxall valley where they get first class care and welfare. Over 50 volunteers support the staff at the Sanctuary to ensure that the donkeys ‘want for nothing’. The sanctuary has 4 key elements to it’s work: It rescues and supports the health of homeless donkeys.
It acts as an education centre, providing learning and training for children, students, apprentices and volunteers.
It is a visitor attraction in which people can meet the donkeys, interact with them, groom and walk them, or have a half days experience with the donkeys. There are events, concerts and Open Days on a regular basis.
The donkeys take part in donkey therapy programmes across the Isle of Wight (and occasionally the mainland) and work with Alzheimers patients, Stroke patients and people with a variety of needs.
The Sanctuary is a free entry, free parking site with a gift shop and a cafe. We survive because of the goodwill of supporters, visitors and people who adopt donkeys or buy products in our shop and cafe. It is not just what we do for our donkeys, but what our donkeys do for people.