Jenny is a 37 year old mushroom grey female donkey who first arrived at our Derbyshire Centre in 1996 after her owners downsized their property.
After many years living with a foster family she has now returned to live here as part of a group of elderly donkeys who have special facilities to help them stay healthy.
Their barn has rubber matting flooring and a woodchip exercise area which allows them to stay mobile and stretch their legs all year round.
The donkeys in this group will spend the rest of their days at our Derbyshire Centre as they each have ongoing health problems that mean travelling to the main Sanctuary in Sidmouth, Devon is not an option for them.
Jenny has no teeth left down one side of her mouth and so needs a special diet of soft short chopped food which she finds easier to chew and digest. The staff report that she has been known to dribble but can also be seen blowing bubbles out of her mouth!
The open day on Sunday was our first visit to the Santurary. We noticed a donkey called Jenny sheltering by the drystone wall with Barny. She did not shy away as we approached. Mel stroked her chin and I rubbed her flanks, lifting her little coat so she did not feel any cold or wind. Gradually her head dropped lower and lower towards the ground and she drooled. I do not know how long we all stayed together there, or who enjoyed it the most, but it was a lovely moment. She is a fantastic old lady!
Mel and Heather Grace
Jenny is the most fabulous donkey. I had the pleasure of looking after her for many years. She spent much of her early life on a working farm at Blackshaw Head in West Yorkshire. The old farmer who owned her then said that she would call for him and nudge him towards cows which were calving. Jenny would bray until the farmer took notice & went with her. What a clever donkey she is.
Jenny used to walk the fields with me whilst I walked my dogs. She will often give you a gentle nudge, especially when you stop stroking her. I guess you just have to keep stroking.
I visit when I can and am so pleased she has such a kind and loving home.
Thank you so much. xx