Two Mediterranean Miniature donkeys, whose dams were part of The Donkey Sanctuary’s biggest ever rescue operation, are enjoying life in a new enrichment paddock at the sanctuary’s Sidmouth site.
Peanut and Maverick were born at the sanctuary’s donkey hospital in April 2021 after their dams, Sharon and Mango, were rescued while in foal a few months previously.
Sharon and Mango were two of more than 70 donkeys who were rescued in varying degrees of distress from a farm in Wales in February 2021. Many were suffering from complications associated with badly overgrown hooves and unsanitary living conditions.
The rescue operation was a joint effort involving the RSPCA, The Donkey Sanctuary and the Police, with support from equine welfare charities Redwings, World Horse Welfare, British Horse Society and Bransby Horses.
In December 2023, all the donkeys were signed into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary.
State of the art facility
Peanut and Maverick are part of a small herd to live in the new nature-inspired enrichment paddock at Slade House Farm.
The revamped paddock and new shelter have been designed to provide its occupants plenty of space to roam, forage and play and is equipped with play and sensory items.
Enrichment is extremely important to keep the donkeys’ minds occupied and prevent boredom.
The sanctuary’s ecology and conservation team ensured the paddock boasts a biodiverse environment not only for its residents but for the flora and fauna too.
A restorative plant mix was sown into the grounds of the paddock to ensure a thorough mix of plants while breaking up soil compaction will help the ground drain during bouts of wet weather.
Visit the donkeys
In the future, donkey-friendly shrubs, herbs and semi-mature trees will be planted along with more varieties of grass and flower species to further enhance biodiversity. It is hoped this will encourage more invertebrates and small mammals like voles and shrews.
Peanut and Maverick and their field companions can be seen on a visit to The Donkey Sanctuary as visitors are able to walk around the perimeter of the paddock.
The pair is also up for adoption. For more information contact The Donkey Sanctuary.
