The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys and mules worldwide.

Donkeys have an innate emotional intelligence that can help develop the psycho-social and emotional skill sets of humans. We allow our donkeys the freedom to work with our clients on the same level to develop an empathetic relationship, which is mutually beneficial for the client and donkey.

Initially, the programme focused on children with additional needs, but over the past four decades, the demand for a programme that could help adults and children with a wide range of emotional, psychological, and cognitive needs became apparent. As a consequence, we are building on the solid foundation established over four decades and further developing what we aim to be a cutting-edge programme, focusing on developing key life skills such as self-esteem, managing emotions, and empathy.

In addition, 21 members of staff across The Donkey Sanctuary are currently undertaking an accredited Equine Facilitated Learning qualification, which allows the charity to offer Donkey Facilitated Learning programmes to a wider client group encompassing a more diverse set of emotional, psychological, or physical needs, such as veterans, youth at risk, recovering addicts, or those suffering the legacy of abuse.

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