Annual review

Chief Executive Statement

There is so much to say about The Donkey Sanctuary’s achievements in 2011, one of our most challenging and rewarding years to date. But the event that will mark this year out forever in our memories was the loss of our founder, Dr Elisabeth Svendsen in May 2011.

Since the day she started her tireless work over 43 years ago, The Donkey Sanctuary has given over 15,000 donkeys and mules in need lifelong care in our sanctuaries in the UK, Ireland and Europe; whilst through our projects overseas, we have helped millions of donkeys working in appalling conditions in some of the most impoverished communities on
earth. Dr Svendsen remained actively involved in the work of the charity right up until her death. Her loss has been felt deeply by her staff who loved her dearly, as well as Donkey Sanctuary supporters all over the world.

Of course we are determined that our founder’s legacy will live on by continuing our work in her memory, and holding fast to her vision of a world in which every donkey and mule receives the care and respect it so desperately needs.

It was in this spirit that, despite the continuing difficult economic climate that continued throughout the year, the charity maintained all its projects either directly or by providing assistance in 28 countries around the world, whilst at the same time keeping its promise never to turn a donkey or mule away in the UK. This has been a tremendous achievement for which we have our wonderful supporters to thank, who, through their continued generosity, helped us to achieve an income of £23.6 million, almost 10% higher than the previous year.

Their incredible support could not have come at a better time given the combination of high numbers of animals relinquished into our care due to owners struggling with the recession; the ever rising cost of providing feed, bedding, veterinary care and the many other necessities needed by our resident donkeys and mules; and the hundreds of thousands of working donkeys in developing countries relying on our clinical and community education projects.

For this, and so much more on behalf of all at The Donkey Sanctuary, two legged and four legged, thank you!

David Cook
August 2012