We've been drawn to some recent press coverage about a donkey called Eeyore from Wilmslow who is thought to be the world's oldest donkey, at the grand age of 54!
Not far behind Eeyore is our oldest resident here at the Sanctuary, Laz. We believe he is now 51 years of age!
He came into our care in 2000 and was the 8,209th donkey to pass through our doors. Now living at Woods Farm, he enjoys a peaceful life surrounded by his friends and is given the expert care he deserves.
This very short video was taken last year when he'd just turned 50 and will introduce you to the wonderful Laz and his carer Nikki Hart, who describes his cheeky nature!
Remembering Esmeralda
Before Laz, a dear little donkey known as Esmerelda was the oldest donkey The Donkey Sanctuary had ever cared for. She passed away at the magnificent age of 56 and almost certainly was one of the oldest donkeys in the world.
Laz has certainly attained wisdom and grace thanks to the wonderful care he enjoys at the Sanctuary. I hope, as age ever taps me on the shoulder, that I will, like Laz, find myself wandering in the gentle company of Donkeys. He holds indeed, strong courage and a tranquil heart and I wish him a continued good life long. Whatever happened to Greystroke, the oldest Donkey in Ireland at 56? I think of him often.
Humans are not the only vessels from which we drink God's love.
Jenny B.
Well he might be 50 but still playful and still chasing the ladies. Lovely video of him.
I was so sad to read that dear Esmeralda passed away last year. I last saw her during Donkey Week with her son Perseus. I was also very surprised as, although I may have missed it, I cannot recall this being mentioned before on the website. As she was probably the oldest donkey in the world she was known to a great many people and will be very sadly missed. When did she die and how is Perseus coping?
Also, how is Ashley? There has been no news about him for a while now.
Hello ,i'm Nicki and i look after the old group at Woods Farm .We were all very very sad when Esmeralda passed away just before Christmas .Her son Perseus was really brave and has coped remarkably well with his loss and although he doesn't have a special friend yet he mixes well with the group and we make sure he receives lots of fuss and attention!
Happy Birthday Laz!
You certainly do not look or act your age! Good for you.
Take care
x
Always I like to reread, fairy and folk tales. Myths especially, for I believe these tales in particular will never die because they are the deepest kind of understanding. The other day, I reread "The Bremen Town Musicians". Fortuitous! Because the Sanctuary only two days later featured the lives of Laz (the oldest Donkey at the Sanctuary and possibly the world! and Eeyore another aging equine wonder). I have always had a reverence for age, but not always an understanding. Until now, through The Donkey Sanctuary and the Donkey. The old Donkey in 'The Bremen Town Musicians' embodies when Donkeys bring to this world, hope, wisdom, grace and temperance with age. The poem is dedicated to Laz, Eeyore, Greystroke and all the others getting on that dusty road to eternity. Friends I will gladly join my steps with someday.
Most, but not all...
Most, but not all
Said the old grey Donkey.
Most humans are truly satisfactory
When it comes to us Donkeys
Humans smooth over their
Problems of cruelty, most, but not all
Correcting errors of empathy.
But a Donkey means
Many things to many people
And we are elusive, at best.
Yet there is a majesty
In knowing and loving us
As we age.
None of us want isolation
And humans find a valuable
Intent for shared communion
With us Donkeys.
We give them hope.
And teach them the ability to
Present to self.
God does not orchestrate our lives
But respects our freedom
And we are happy that we
Give humans confidence
Back in their lives.
The cross on our backs carries this
Confidence to most, but not all.
It's a bold proclamation
And we carry it as we age
With the grace of diminishment.
One day, our page will turn
We are older tonight
But our love is the same.
Most, but not all humans
Will learn from our lives
Walk indefatigably on, love majestically
And let Sanctuary reign.