The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary is the world’s leading donkey expert and welfare charity dedicated to saving them from suffering and making sustainable improvements to their lives. We have been caring for donkeys in the UK and overseas for over 55 years.

Representing the voice of 50 million animals globally, we provide unparalleled species-specific knowledge, veterinary expertise, and best practices. Donkey owners, carers, vets, and partners worldwide rely on us for our unique insight and guidance.

Annually, we take in, rescue and rehome hundreds of abused and abandoned donkeys and mules across the UK. Wherever we can, we will never turn away from a donkey in need, offering sanctuary or support in the community.

Through education and collaboration, we strive to make lasting and sustainable changes to the everyday lives of donkeys, improving their environment, nutrition, behaviour and health. We work alongside communities around the world who depend on donkeys for their livelihoods to demonstrate the benefits of people and their animals living and working in harmony together.

We are leading an ambitious global mission to improve the lives of millions of donkeys and their families across the years ahead through our flagship Stop the Slaughter campaign. Over six million donkeys are slaughtered each year to produce ejiao, a traditional Chinese remedy made from the collagen found in their skin. This cruel trade is the biggest threat donkeys face and threatens to wipe out the species within a decade. Bringing together and collaborating with a growing network of trusted individuals, organisations and decision-makers, we are united in our mission to end the trade and save millions of donkeys from suffering.

This life-saving work is only possible thanks to the kindness of our supporters who have generously left us a gift in their wills. By remembering donkeys in your will, we can continue our work into the future, ensuring that wherever they are, donkeys always have someone in their corner, caring for them and advocating for their welfare. Your generosity brings us closer to a world where every donkey enjoys a good quality of life and we are truly grateful.