Those of you familiar with Walk A around the Sanctuary will notice a friendly face missing from our group of donkey residents next time you visit. Sadly 23 year old Grand Noir donkey Apollo had to be put to sleep on Thursday to relieve him from the suffering he was experiencing in his old age.
Apollo came into our care in September 2002 and soon became a firm favourite among staff and visitors. He spent the last few years living with his donkey friends, Myles and Toby, along with Gypsy the mule, who joined the group after the loss of his much-missed Poitou friend Torrent last year.
Although like most donkeys he rarely showed it, Apollo had been suffering with health problems for some time. When he came to the Sanctuary he had suffered a spinal injury, and over the years he has endured more than his fair share of foot problems. When a recent X-ray showed that his bone structure was getting progressively worse it became clear that there was nothing more that our fantastic team of vets could do to help him, and so on 22 September 2011 he fell asleep for all eternity.
A gentle giant who loved people, Apollo will be greatly missed by us all.
Related links
Getting to know Apollo, Myles, Toby and Gypsy!
It's playtime!
Apollo, a Grand Noir donkey
Just as the wind will circle the fallen leaves, I know that Gypsy, now losing her second friend will be comforted by all at the Sanctuary, Donkeys and humans alike. I am glad Apollo had a well deserved gentle passing. He was a beautifully kind Donkey and helped little Miles and Toby with his calm demeanour. Death is so hard, but to those that experience it, it may be only like looking back at the beach and seeing that your footprints are gone.
Love to all and especially Gypsy,
Jenny B.
So sorry to hear about Apollo, please pass on my sympathy to his grooms and the people who looked after him. They must miss him. Doesn't matter how many animals you have, they're all individuals, all with their own characters. But that's what makes them so fascinating, isn't it?
.
Sweet, affectionate Apollo ! He was first spotted by us when he was on the yard one winter's day. He was gentle giant, a true gentleman and we thought him to be a very handsome "Grand Noir". We are sad to hear of his death and we know Myles will miss him greatly.
23 donkey years seems young but we know his last days were happy. We saw him only last month with Myles and Gypsy.
With love from all the Ashworth Family. We will miss him too.x
I was so sad to hear Apollo died his spirit will live on and the memory won't fade he'll always be remembered with fond loving thoughts rip darling sweet natured Apollo xxxxxx
Very sad to read about Apollo. We met him when we came to the Sanctuary some five months back. He was a character. Animals do form friendships with each other and Myles, Toby and Gypsy will certainly miss him. An extra pat and a hug from their humans will no doubt be forthcoming to ease their loss.
So sad to hear about Apollo. I have been visiting him every year since I was a teenager and he has always been my special favorite. He was such a gentle donkey and would stand by the fence for ages whilst you scratched his back! We shall all miss him.
Rebecca from Cheltenham
i was so sad to hear about apollo,i feel realy sorry for Myles losing such a good friend.i visited the sanctuary on the 22.10.11 and stayed at stoneliegh just up the road from the sanctuary ,and on my first day i went down to see the donkeys and when i read about the sad news outside the shop my heart sank. But i met a donkey called Jubilee who loves fuss and sadly he doesnt like the other donkeys because he couldn't make the noise they make ,so every time i saw him he was by himself walking round in circles.I spent every visit with him and when i went to stroke another donkey he followed me and always nudged me when he wanted more fuss.
Milly Joynes, age 13
Dear Milly,
I was sad to read about how much you will miss dear Apollo. He was a very striking and lovely natured donkey.
I was pleased to hear your report about Jubilee. He will have been delighted to have your company last week. Thank you for helping to look after my favourite donkey !
I am trying to remember if I have heard him bray. I think I have but I might be wrong. Can Sanctuary staff help us out here please? I have certainly seen him sulk, poor boy!
You are quite right to give him extra special; attention Milly as Jubilee has not been able to bond with a donkey and make friends. He lived for 30 years as a pet and hadn't seen a donkey until he arrived at the sanctuary when his owner couldn't look after him any more as she had become too frail.
Hope to hear from you again when you next visit those beautiful donkeys.
Wendy
I have worked with lovely Jubilee for 7 months and in that time I only heard him bray once and it was quite a surprise!!! He usually just makes a wimpering sound. Jubilee is very sad at the moment, as the busy season is over and he doesn't get to see so many visitors, so staff are making as much effort to keep him happy by taking him out for walks and giving him as much fuss and attention as possible!!
Hello Nicky,
Thank you for letting us know about Jubilee and his lack of or use of his voice. I wonder if he doesn't use it because there were no other donkeys to communicate with for 30 years ?
I had a feeling he would be feeling particularly sad now it is quiet and the short days are here. (Who doesn't?!!)
It's only thanks to the dedication of the staff to provide him with extra t l c that he is still going. A big thank you from me and Jubs for that!
I do appreciate you finding the time to let us all know about the dear old chap.
Wendy
So sorry to hear about this little donkey no animal should be put throuhg pain like some are x
Only learnt last night of the sad loss of Apollo.
Over the years I have derived great pleasure from my visits to Sidmouth and I always had a soft spot for Apollo. He seemed to hold centre court when he and Myles had the paddock adjacent to the hospital and he seemed to love the attention of the visitors.
As with all donkeys they are characters and I will miss him when I next visit, but it is good he enjoyed a happy stay at Sidmouth and now is not suffering.
May you all at Sidmouth long continue to provide this unique enviroment which gives so much pleasure, peace, and assistance to so many children and grown ups alike.
All the Donkeys,staff and volunteers are true stars.