Island Life Magazine Ltd February / March 2016 | Page 75

FEATURE
are grouped in smaller paddocks with
walkways in between, enabling people
to see the animals close up.
Each field also has a purpose-built
field shelter to give the animals shade
in the summer as well as shielding
them from the rain and wind.
From the visitors’ point of view, it
means that even if the weather is bad,
they can still see the donkeys at close
quarters, inside their barns.
Changes like this have succeeded in
increasing visitor numbers, and the
charity now has a database of around
9,000 supporters.
There is no admission fee to the
Sanctuary, although visitors are
generally happy to make a small
donation towards the hefty running
costs of keeping these lovable animals
safe, secure and well cared for.
Some supporters also adopt a
donkey, whilst others offer their time
as volunteers at the site, helping to
feed, groom and exercise the animals
or to meet and greet visitors.
Whilst many of the resident donkeys
are living out their old age at the

The new café

“We have a very
robust welfare
programme to
ensure that each
animal receives
the best care for its
particular needs”

Sanctuary (the current oldest is
Sandy, thought to be in her late 40s),
there was a big flurry of excitement
last year with a new arrival – cute
little Sunny, who was born at Wroxall
in July to one of three newly-rescued
animals from Norfolk.
“He arrived just in time for the
school summer holidays which was
pretty much perfect for us” says
Carol. “Children were queuing up to
see him!”

Annabelle grooming Sn

owy

Procession at Christmas
www.visitilife.com

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