The Donkey Sanctuary

The Donkey Sanctuary has a mission: "To transform the quality of life for donkeys, mules and people worldwide through greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting mutually life-enhancing relationships. The Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1969 by Elisabeth Svendsen, MBE. Since then, we have made a profound difference to the lives of donkeys and people all over the world.

The Donkey Sanctuary has grown from a charity rescuing UK donkeys from neglect and abuse to an international animal welfare organisation transforming the lives of millions of donkeys and mules, and the people who depend on them for their livelihood.

Today, the Donkey Sanctuary has 10 sanctuaries around the UK and Europe, giving lifelong care to over 7,000 donkeys and mules, and we reach approximately 1.8 million donkeys and mules through our work in 35 countries worldwide.