Residents at The Donkey Sanctuary have some new toys to play with thanks to a generous donation from a local football club.
Feniton Football Club near Honiton in Devon gifted The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth 60 used footballs for the donkeys to play with as part of their enrichment activities.
Enrichment is a vital part of the donkeys’ lives. It prevents boredom, ensures physical and mental stimulation and encourages them to play and interact with different objects.
Thirty of the balls were given to the Donkey Assisted Activities Centre whose residents, many of whom were part of the sanctuary’s largest rescue case in Wales, have enjoyed playing with. The remaining 30 balls were distributed around the rest of the sanctuary in Sidmouth.
“We can’t thank Feniton FC enough for this generous donation. We routinely change objects for donkeys to explore and play with, from natural resources such as herbs and hazel, to welly boots and rope toys. These items add interest and stimulation for the donkeys, giving them the opportunity to express natural playful behaviours and help enrich their environment,” said Louise Blair, DAA centre manager and equine coordinator at The Donkey Sanctuary.
New lease of life
The footballs had been used by Feniton Football Clubs’ senior and youth teams and were headed for the bin until the club discovered the donkeys could give them a second home.
“We are pleased that the old footballs have been given a second life. We hope all the donkeys have lots of fun with them and if Feniton Football Club are ever short of players – we’ll know who to call,” said Rachel Brown from Feniton Football Club.
The Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen who was appalled by the state of the donkeys she saw at a market in Exeter. She started buying the donkeys who were in the worst condition and The Donkey Sanctuary was registered as a charity in 1973. Since then the charity has transformed the lives of millions of donkeys around the world.
