On Tuesday 6th July 2010 a handsome grey colt was born in the early hours of the morning here at the Sanctuary and we gave our supporters an opportunity to name him in a competition to help raise funds for the Sanctuary. And the winning name is...

"Julio" (pronounced "Hoo-leo")

chosen by Rachel Rivers who will also receive a one-off framed photograph of Julio signed by our Founder, Dr Elisabeth Svendsen as well as be given the chance to visit Brookfield Farm (which isn't open to the public) to make his first name collar.

RSPCA rescue

Cinnamon came into the Sanctuary in 2009 along with 17 other donkeys following a complaint initiated by our welfare officers in Yorkshire. Prior to their arrival, the RSPCA had cared for the 18 donkeys for about six months pending prosecution of the owner for neglect. Having successfully prosecuted the owner, the RSPCA were able to hand over the donkeys to the Sanctuary.

After our vets had a chance to examine Cinnamon on her arrival, they found that she was about 2 years old and was in foal.

How many donkeys do we have?

We currently have 2,187 donkeys, mules and ponies in our care. Of this number 1,954 are donkeys.

No breeding policy

The Donkey Sanctuary does have a no breeding policy but if a donkey that has been relinquished into our care is already pregnant, then the foal is given sanctuary too.