From rescue to recovery: donkeys rehomed in Devon after major welfare operation

Donkeys rescued from one of the UK’s largest animal welfare operations have settled into their new forever homes in west Devon following the festive period, thanks to the support of The Donkey Sanctuary.

Two adult donkeys, Bourbon and Curlywurly, and two foals, Dusty and Dazzle, were rehomed with long-time friends Anita and Nicky, who live just a few miles apart.

Staff from The Donkey Sanctuary, located near Sidmouth, were among more than 100 charity workers who attended an RSPCA-led rescue operation in November 2023, where more than 450 animals of 19 different species, including 29 donkeys, were found living in what charities described as appalling conditions.

Following the conclusion of the case last year, The Donkey Sanctuary, which had provided specialist care and veterinary support for the donkeys, helped find suitable forever homes for those able to be directly rehomed.

Anita and Nicky, who have known each other for more than 35 years after meeting through a moorland riding and trekking stable, both applied to take on rescue donkeys after suffering personal loss.

Anita said: “We bonded through a mutual love for horses and became close friends, riding and attending lessons and courses together. Fifteen years ago, Nicky bought the foal of my mare, Ruby, who she named Frankie.”

The pair lost Ruby and Frankie within 24 hours of each other last summer, prompting Nicky to apply to rehome donkeys. Anita soon followed.

After visiting Bourbon and Curlywurly at their temporary sanctuary home in east Devon, Nicky said: “On meeting the two gorgeous donkeys, how could I say no to such lovely ladies who spent the visit trying to nibble my coat and demand scratches?”

Following a welfare visit from The Donkey Sanctuary, arrangements were made for the pair to move to Nicky’s family home, where they settled in quickly.

Nicky said: “The two donkeys settled in quickly. Bourbon, who we think is around 13-years-old, is definitely the more confident of the two and is often the first to greet you. While six-year-old Curlywurly seems a little more reserved, but she’s very happy to follow Bourbon’s lead.”

Despite having years of experience owning horses and ponies, Nicky said caring for donkeys had been a learning curve.

“Even though many things to do with their care are similar, such as vaccines and farrier care, they definitely have their own requirements, and we’ve needed to adapt what we do.

“They like spending most of their time in the yard: even though they’ve got access to grass, and will come out with me if I take their food out there, but as soon as it’s gone they’re back in.

“Donkeys are loud too! They certainly let you know when it’s breakfast, lunch and dinner time. Our yard is next to our garden, so when we step out of the back door we’re often greeted by a full blown bray.”

Nearby, Anita had taken in younger donkeys Dusty and Dazzle, who were still developing their brays.

She said: “Dusty, the smaller of the two, is quite timid when meeting new people and will hide behind Dazzle until she is convinced the person is ‘safe’. However, Dusty is far more confident over obstacles and will often take the lead.”

Both homes continued to be supported by The Donkey Sanctuary’s Donkey Welfare Adviser, Hannah Slator, who guided the rehoming process.

Hannah said: “After meeting Nicky and Anita, I knew that they could both provide fantastic forever homes for donkeys.

“On chatting with colleagues, it was apparent that we had 2 perfect pairs of donkeys less than an hour’s drive away, and after we had all arrived and met them, it was clear that we had matched the perfect donkeys to their new owners. Then just a week later, they were settled into their new homes in Dartmoor.

“It has been a real pleasure to help rehome both pairs of donkeys to Nicky and Anita, and I can’t wait to watch them all grow in confidence - and height!”

From being rescued in 2023, Bourbon and Curlywurly had continued to thrive in Nicky’s care, while Dusty and Dazzle were settling into life with Anita.

Nicky added: “Our donkeys always put a smile on my face when I see them. They’re funny, friendly, and very cuddly, especially if they know you’ve got a treat! In short, I wouldn’t be without them.”