The Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, MBE. She dedicated her life to champion donkeys, and it is through her devotion that the Sanctuary grew to be the international charity it is today.

Sadly Dr Svendsen passed away in 2011 but her memory lives on in our work, as does her eternal motto that, in everything we do, donkeys will always come first, second and third.

During the last 45 years, we have made a profound difference to the lives of donkeys and people all over the world. This is down to the drive and belief of our wonderful Founder and all of our supporters for your devotion and continued support.

Renowned for our work with donkeys the world over, it is a little known fact that we also care for the largest collective group of mules (a donkey-horse hybrid) in England.

We are open 365 days a year from 9am until dusk. Admission and parking are free. We consider that, being a charity dependent on the support of the public, visitors should be able to see our work free of charge.