Meet our Donkeys
Bea is a very pretty miniature donkey. When she arrived at the Refuge in the summer of 2011 she was full of fear and very protective of her space. Although she has come a long way, she still has behavioural issues and it will be many years before we have fully gained her trust. She has become best friends with Franny and that has helped her feel safe. We are pleased to see her come to the fence to get pats from our visitors. Well done Bea! If you wish to sponsor a sweet donkey who has taken a giant leap of faith and allowed us into her world please choose “Sponsor Bea” from the drop down list on the donation page. $50 to sponsor. A gift of a donkey sponsorship makes a lovely gift for a loved one. Just write “Gift Sponsorship” and add their name and address in the “Notes” box on the donation page.
Cotton arrived with his best friend Sampson, who sadly has now passed on, after many peaceful years with the Mammoth Herd. They were in very poor condition after fending for themselves in a field in Alberta for 2 years. They were badly neglected and could barely walk. Our hearts broke as we watched Sampson watch over his friend Cotton who just lay in the barn, in great pain. We worked with our farrier to ease their pain and they both became enthusiastic members of our mammoth herd. Cotton is recognizable due to his very straight back – something we have not seen before. If you wish to sponsor this amazing survivor please choose “Sponsor Cotton” from the drop-down list on the donation page. $50 to sponsor. A gift of a donkey sponsorship makes a lovely gift for a loved one. Just write “Gift Sponsorship” and add their name and address in the “Notes” box on the donation page.
Kiki is a large mammoth donkey and the son of Ruby. Our therapy donkey, Lillie is his auntie. He is very handsome and carries himself with pride. He is gentle and calm and because of this we have trained him for riding. His colouring is dunne grey and he has a prominent cross on his back. What a lovely boy! If you wish to sponsor this gentle giant please choose “Sponsor Kiki”from the drop down list on the donation page. $50 to sponsor. A gift of a donkey sponsorship makes a lovely gift for a loved one. Just write “Gift Sponsorship” and add their name and address in the “Notes” box on the donation page.
Mitch is a real cutie. He is a fuzzy mini donkey with a red coat and a white diamond marking on his forehead. He came to us when his owners realized that their northern home was too cold for him. He is a bit of a loner but likes his hugs and brushing. This summer he actually shed his winter coat and looks all sleek and shiny. He has recently become a guardian for Margherita who lost her friend Hilda this past year. His journey is told in our children’s storybook called Mitch’s Journey Home. If you wish to sponsor this sweet boy please choose “Sponsor Mitch” from the drop down list on the donation page. $50 to sponsor. A gift of a donkey sponsorship makes a lovely gift for a loved one. Just write “Gift Sponsorship” and add their name and address in the “Notes” box on the donation page.
Cracker is a handsome grey miniature donkey and is in our Special Needs herd. Although he is gelded he still displays studly behaviour so has not been integrated with our regular mini herd. We have had him on a behavioural training program and thanks to the efforts of our volunteers is settling down and may eventually join the regular mini herd. If you wish to sponsor this little ladies’ man please choose “Sponsor Cracker” from the drop down list on the donation page. $50 to sponsor. A gift of a donkey sponsorship makes a lovely gift for a loved one. Just write “Gift Sponsorship” and add their name and address in the “Notes” box on the donation page.
George – our poster boy for all things that could go wrong. He is strong and handsome and loves attention. He is a fan favorite because of all of the adversity he has overcome in his life. He may have spent up to sixteen years of his life in a windowless shed without the companionship of other donkeys. Sadly, his upbringing had created behavioural issues that have made it a challenge to find him a healthy place in a herd. We were afraid that he was doomed to a life of solitude. We didn’t give up on him – and we are so pleased that he has found a place with our mule herd. Thanks to the love and support for George and his buddies, he and the mules now are in the Big Barn, keeping all the other Donkeys company! If you wish to sponsor this wonderful donkey, please choose “Sponsor George” from the drop down list on the donation page. $50 to sponsor. A gift of a donkey sponsorship makes a lovely gift for a loved one. Just write “Gift Sponsorship” and add their name and address in the “Notes” box on the donation page.
Maximo was our very first donkey. He was only six months old when he came to the Refuge with his ailing mother Maria. He is the only donkey that we are certain of his history as he grew up in our care. He is strong and silent and is the head of our standard herd. Not one to rush forward to get attention, he is often overlooked by our visitors. Maximo represents the life that we believe all donkeys deserve. If you wish to sponsor this handsome gentleman please choose “Sponsor Maximo” from the drop down list on the donation page. $50 to sponsor. A gift of a donkey sponsorship makes a lovely gift for a loved one. Just write “Gift Sponsorship” and add their name and address in the “Notes” box on the donation page.
Nova is a small standard donkey and is playmates with Julio. She is the daughter of Lady, one of our two white standard donkeys. Her colouring is unique and quite lovely. Her coat stays fuzzy year round. Like her cousin Julio, she is playful and curious, and very strong-willed. She loves to run when she goes into the pasture. If you wish to sponsor this adorable little girl please choose “Sponsor Nova” from the drop down list on the donation page. $50 to sponsor. A gift of a donkey sponsorship makes a lovely gift for a loved one. Just write “Gift Sponsorship” and add their name and address in the “Notes” box on the donation page.
Julio is a very small standard male adolescent donkey. He is the son of one of our two white standard donkeys, Fifi and arrived at the Refuge as a baby. Julio is playful and loves attention. He is a Sicilian donkey – grey with a black cross on his back. His best friend and playmate is his cousin Nova. If you wish to sponsor this sweet little guy please choose “Sponsor Julio” from the drop down list on the donation page. $50 to sponsor. A gift of a donkey sponsorship makes a lovely gift for a loved one. Just write “Gift Sponsorship” and add their name and address in the “Notes” box on the donation page.
If your favorite donkey is not currently an Ambassador Donkey you can still show your love by sponsoring or re-sponsoring him or her. Every donkey and mule in our care matters. On the donation form, please choose “Sponsor My Special Donkey” from the drop down list on the donation page. $50 to sponsor. Remember to write your donkey’s name in the Notes box. A gift of a donkey sponsorship makes a lovely gift for a loved one. Just write “Gift Sponsorship” and add their name and address in the “Notes” box on the donation page.your donkey’s name in the Notes box and we will be sure to let your long-ear know that you are thinking of him. $50 to sponsor.
Tiny Tim resides in the Mini Herd with his best friends Franny, Fez and Penelope. Tiny Tim has a very charming personality and he is always willing to play and romp with the other donkeys. Tiny Tim is 13 years old and he has lived at the Refuge since 2010. Tim loves to spend time with the visitors if you get a chance to drop by the Donkey Refuge.
Steve was a stray donkey that had been living in a Dog Pound and he needed to find a home. He loves to play with his friends in the Mini Herd, Tiny Tim, Marco & Rico. Because Steve came to us as an ungelded stud, before he could go into the Herd, he needed to be fixed. After spending a month in recovery from his gelding operation, Steve was excited to run around with his new friends. From a dog pound in the Lower Mainland to his new forever home here, Steve spreads joy everywhere he goes with his big heart. You can pick Steve out in the Herd from his heart-shaped nose markings.
If you wish to assist the Refuge in caring for our wonderful Steve, please choose “Sponsor Steve” from the drop-down list on the donation page. $50 to sponsor. A gift of a donkey sponsorship makes a lovely gift for a loved one. Just write “Gift Sponsorship” and add their name and address in the “Notes” box on the donation page.
Murphy is a 12-year-old Mammoth Donkey who was surrendered to the Refuge in April 2021. Murphy had been rescued by his previous caretaker who wanted to secure Murphy’s future, so she sent him to a Trainer to teach him basic skills and Harness Training. Murphy has a very gentle and considerate personality and we have decided to train him as a Therapy Donkey.