Today is Devon Car Free Day, and the perfect excuse for me to accompany a very special donkey on an unusual mission.

In order to reduce the Sanctuary's carbon footprint and raise awareness of the plight of working donkeys around the world, Barney the donkey has become postman (or should that be post donkey) for the day.

I was lucky enough to accompany him on his morning rounds to deliver post to offices here at the Sanctuary. Looking very smart in his postbox red headcollar, Barney seemed to really enjoy his new responsibility - although I am sure that is partly to do with the many cuddles he received from staff and visitors on his route!

Barney carried a light load of post in a comfortable pannier over a short distance this morning, but his working donkey cousins overseas are unlikely to get away as lightly.

In the course of our overseas work we have seen donkeys doing everything from transporting bricks to brick kilns in India, to carrying water and essential supplies to families in drought-stricken Ethiopia and Kenya. In Mexico, some donkeys have even taken on the role of the school bus, transporting children to and from schools which may be some distance away.

Barney’s post run today is a symbolic reminder of the origins of these hard-working animals. Donkeys are vital to many communities in developing countries where motorised transport is either unavailable or not affordable. Hearing inspirational tales of working donkeys like those above really spurs us on in our mission to reach out to donkeys and mules worldwide.

PS: If you think you recognise Barney from somewhere, it may be because as well as being a top notch post donkey, he and his friends Bramble and Mopsy also star in our online donkey care game, Me and My Donkey.

Other ways we are helping the environment