From Thursday 4th March, adoring fans will be able to visit orphaned foal Ashley for the first time at the Sidmouth-based Donkey Sanctuary.

Over the past five months, carers at the charity’s New Arrivals unit have worked tirelessly to bottle feed and hand rear Ashley after his mother tragically died whilst giving birth in October 2009. She had been taken into the Sanctuary's care already in-foal.

No longer requiring such intensive care, Ashley has been moved to Shelter Two located at the Sanctuary’s main site, which is open to visitors.

Ashley is joined by two other foals, Mr Khan and Zena and their mothers; he has lived with them since his birth and they are all great friends and act as role models for him.

Dawn Vincent says: “Ashley survived thanks to the dedication of the Sanctuary’s staff who worked around-the-clock, sometimes literally camping outside his stable, to feed and comfort him, and provide the care his mother sadly couldn’t give him.

“It’s so tragic that Ashley’s mother passed away but we feel Ashley’s story does end happily; he’s very fit and healthy, is in the company of his donkey friends, has the expert and loving care of our staff, and an adoring public who just can’t wait to meet him.”

Ashley’s story has captured the interest of many hundreds of The Donkey Sanctuary’s supporters and video clips and blogs about him can be viewed on dedicated pages of the charity’s website www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ashley

The Sanctuary has a non-breeding policy. It currently cares for over 2,200 rescued and unwanted donkeys, 500 of which can be found in Sidmouth which is open all year round from 9am until dusk. Admission is free and a map booklet with information about the donkeys you can see is available for a small charge from the Visitors’ Centre.

For further information call 01395 578222 or visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk

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For quotes, further information or images, please contact:

The Donkey Sanctuary PR Office:
Dawn Vincent 01395 573097 07970 927778
Suzi Cretney 01395 573014
Claire Shapcott 01395 573124