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In Donkey heaven on the Isle of Wight

I haven't talked much about my time on the Isle of Wight so far...just my top ten favourite things on the island.  

When I read there was a donkey sanctuary on the island I knew I had to go. So my very first day on the island saw me hopping the #3 bus from Shanklin to Newport - there was a stop right outside the sanctuary.  I knew I was in the right place when I saw this! 



I was shaking with excitement - honest!  So this will be a post short on words but heavy on pictures because...DONKEYS!!!!  I had never been around this many donkeys and they were all so adorable.  


Donkeys...productive donkeys! 






The sanctuary is set on over 60 acres of countryside and hosts over 100 animals at any given time.  There are usually close to 100 donkeys as well as horses and ponies.  The goal is to rehome the animals but for those with special needs or elderly,  the sanctuary becomes their forever home.  And if I was a donkey I'd say it would be a pretty good place to live out my days. 



I loved the names and the signs describing what they did.  It was really well organized and the animals were all clean and well cared for.  I got there just after they opened and the staff were busy "mucking out" the pens.  Next time I would go later in the day.  Going so early had its benefits however as besides myself there were just three other visitors.  If the weather had been better my last day on the island I would have returned for one last visit.  

There were even memorials to resident donkeys that had passed on....




Yes, there were ponies as well. 


I loved the signs everywhere! 

This face!!!  





The Donkey Sanctuary is very active in the community and provides donkey therapy (gimme some!), education and takes part in local events.  Admission is free; they rely on donations. 

The surrounding countryside was beautiful! 

Not sure what this is!!!  But I'm sure its mother loved it!  I think it's a cross between a donkey and a pony...

After about an hour and a half of wandering around talking to the donkeys and calling each one of them by name (they had their names on their collars) I headed to the shop where I bought myself a coaster, a tea towel and a fridge magnet because you know...donkeys!  I also donated to the donkeys in one of the many donation boxes around the sanctuary. 

If you love donkeys this is definitely the place to go!  The Isle of Wight is on my "must return" list and you can bet that includes the donkey sanctuary as well.  


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