WE DID IT WITH YOUR HELP... thanks to all our fans and supporters. We reached the target to get fly fringes for our elderly donkeys. We are so very proud of you for answering our call for help. Thank you, thank you, thank you...

Any additional donations received will go towards caring for our donkeys, such as buying bespoke made to measure fly leg protectors as modelled by Blackie below costing £25 a set.

Our elderly donkeys are quite arthritic and find it hard to move and stamp their feet or shake their heads to get rid of the flies that gather around their eyes. With no facial protection, their eyes water constantly, which in turn makes their faces very sore.

To help our 'oldies', we've sourced a fly fringe that's safe for the donkeys to wear in their field which has a special velcro strip that will release if the fringe gets caught on a fence or branch.

We have about 500 elderly donkeys in our care who could all be comforted by wearing a fly fringe over the coming months so we're appealing to our supporters for help.

How much do they cost?

With each fly mask costing £5, we are looking to raise £2,500 which will be specifically used to help donkeys just like Rose Olivia (pictured right) who will be given a better quality of life without the flies causing her distress.

Should we exceed the amount needed for the fly fringes, any surplus donations will go towards caring for the 2,087 donkeys, mules and ponies currently in our care.

Helping our elderly donkeys

Annie Brown, our general farm manager, was at Paccombe Farm this morning helping Evie muck out the stables where the older donkeys live. Beauty (pictured above) is 28 years of age and needed some one-to-one attention to help her finish up the last few mouthfuls of her feed. She is also helping us try out the field safe fly fringes just like Rose Olivia who also lives with our 'oldies' at Paccombe Farm.

Vincent (pictured right) is 34 years of age. He suffers badly from fly bites requiring not only a fly-fringe but he also wears a special rug. In addition, he has to have his legs bathed regularly by our grooms and have them covered with anti-fly cream.

How long do donkeys live?

The average age of a donkey in the UK is 27, however donkeys can live to over 40 years old. Our oldest donkey here at the Sanctuary is called Laz, aged 50, who lives at Woods Farm, one of our outlying farms.

How can you help?

If you feel you are able to help our elderly donkeys, please make an online donation.

Alternatively, if you prefer to send a cheque, please make it payable to "The Donkey Sanctuary" and send to:

The Donkey Sanctuary
Fly Fringes Appeal
Sidmouth
Devon
EX10 0NU

Are you a UK taxpayer?

When making a donation, it would be helpful if you could inform us if you are a UK taxpayer to enable us to claim back money from the tax man through the Gift Aid Scheme by completing our gift aid declaration form.

An overview of the Gift Aid Scheme is available on the HM Customs & Excise website.

Donation enquiries

If you have any queries regarding making a donation, please contact us.