The Donkey Sanctuary

@donkeysanctuary.bsky.social

Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life. Our community guidelines: bray.news/bsky-guidelines

There are thousands of years of shared history between people and working donkeys. But did you know that this very history has shaped donkeys as we know them? 💭 Donkeys travelled trade routes like the Silk Road, where breed mixing helped create the diversity we see today.

An illustration of a donkey pulling a wagon, and text reading, 'Donkeys are one of 14 domesticated mammals, meaning they've lived alongside humans for about 6,000 years'.

Donkeys might be known for their stoic natures, but their body language can tell us a lot about what they're feeling... 😌 When a donkey is completely at ease, their face muscles loosen, leading their bottom lip to hang down loosely in a look of pure bliss.

An illustration of a donkey with his mouth hanging open. Text reads, 'a drooping lower lip is often a sign of a relaxed content donkey.'

On International Working Animal Day, hear how we're working to improve welfare practices for donkeys in Kenya. 🌍 On the islands of Manda and Lamu, we're working alongside communities to co-create equipment that better prioritises the wellbeing of their donkeys. Find out more 👇

Ever wondered what a day looks like for the volunteers who help care for our donkeys? ❤️ To mark the start of Volunteers' Week, join us as we go behind the scenes with two dedicated volunteers who support the Farm team at our Sidmouth sanctuary 👇

"When airlines and shipping companies say no, illegal supply chains collapse." ❌ In our latest skin trade explainer, we deep-dive into the pivotal role shipping and airline companies can play in helping to end the slaughter of donkeys for their skins. 👇

For donkeys taking their first steps into the safety of our care, the journey begins at our New Arrivals Unit in Devon. 📍 We go behind the scenes to share what a typical day looks like for the team supporting donkeys in their next chapter 👇