The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

06/10/2026

Please join us in welcoming Duggie to the DSC!
Duggie is a miniature gelding who recently arrived after we responded to a somewhat urgent intake request. Prior to coming to the Sanctuary, Duggie shared a home with a pony mare who was unexpectedly pregnant. As the mare's due date approached, his owners became concerned about how Duggie might react to the new arrival and made the thoughtful decision to seek a safe and suitable future for him with us.
Since arriving, Duggie has completed his quarantine period and has been settling in well. Although already gelded, with Duggie showing a few behaviours that reminded us of a jack donkey, our team determined he would be happiest living with standard geldings and we introduced him to Jasper and Sherlock.
The good news? His integration went smoothly, and he has been getting along well with his new friends. We'll continue to monitor the little group as everyone settles into their new routine, but so far things are off to a great start.
We look forward to getting to know Duggie's unique personality and sharing updates as he begins this new chapter at the Sanctuary. Welcome home, Duggie!

06/09/2026

Looking for a special way to support the donkeys while building a deeper connection with one of our long-eared residents?

We're excited to introduce our new Enhanced Donkey Sponsorship Program!

For $300 per year, you'll help provide the daily care, nutrition, veterinary support, and enrichment that our donkeys rely on, while enjoying exclusive benefits that bring you closer to your sponsored donkey.

As an Enhanced Donkey Sponsor, you'll receive:

A $200 charitable tax receipt
A personalized sponsorship photo and biography of your donkey
A custom fridge magnet featuring your donkey
Quarterly updates about your donkey's wellbeing and activities
A guided Sanctuary farm tour for up to six people
A 25% discount voucher for one shopping visit in the Long Ears Boutique
An "I Sponsor a Donkey" car cling to proudly show your support

Whether you're sponsoring your personal favourite donkey or looking for a meaningful gift for an animal lover, Enhanced Sponsorship is a wonderful way to make a lasting difference while enjoying a closer connection to the Sanctuary.

Regular sponsorships and Enhanced sponsorships all help ensure our donkeys receive the excellent care they deserve.

Meet all our sponsorable donkeys: https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/sponsor-a-donkey/

06/03/2026

Planning a Visit?
There are many ways to experience the magic of the DSC, whether you are planning a special day trip, looking for a peaceful outing, or hoping to visit the donkeys throughout the season. From our popular Open Days to Seniors’ Days, Guided Tours, and Annual Passes, there is a visit option for everyone.

Plan your visit to the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, open most Sundays, May through October. We recommend a review of our visitor guidelines before you arrive.

06/01/2026

A big thank you to Wild Birds Unlimited Kitchener for their support of the DSC!

WBU held a silent auction in their store, with proceeds benefiting the DSC. Thanks to the enthusiasm and kindness of their staff and customers, the auction raised funds that will help us continue providing lifelong care for donkeys, mules, and hinnies in need.

As a Sanctuary that is home to not only donkeys but also many species of wild birds, we especially appreciate our connection with WBU. From songbirds and woodpeckers to birds of prey and migratory visitors, the DSC's forests, fields and wetlands provide important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

Community support like this makes a meaningful difference, and we are so grateful to Wild Birds Unlimited for choosing to support our work. Thank you to everyone who participated in the auction and helped make it a success!

From all of us at the DSC and from the donkeys and birds too, thank you for helping us create a brighter future for the animals in our care.

05/27/2026

Phoenix recently had a big milestone at the Sanctuary with her very first dental appointment!
She was pre-sedated with a syringed sedative before our vet gave her some additional injectable sedation, and she handled the whole experience like an absolute pro. Even better, her teeth were only mildly sharp!
Phoenix is a very special resident at the DSC. She’s a wild b***o jenny from Arizona, born in the wild in 2018 and taken by the Bureau of Land Management in 2023 (you can see her BLM freeze brand in this picture). She eventually made her way to us in 2024 from a farm near Ottawa and she has been learning all about Sanctuary life ever since.
Because of her wild beginnings, Phoenix still had a strong flight instinct and even snorted quite a bit. We don't usually see this unique behaviour in the donkeys who come to us. With patience, gentle training, and lots of understanding, she continues to grow in confidence and trust every day.
We’re so proud of how far she’s come already. And honestly, she’s an absolute beauty!

05/26/2026

We know that supporters of the DSC understand how important it is to protect the peaceful rural environment that helps rescued donkeys feel safe and thrive. Opposition to the MZO application related to the Estill development reflects concerns about the long-term impact of this large-scale development on the Sanctuary, local wildlife, farmland, and the surrounding community. For the DSC, this is about helping preserve a calm, caring space for donkeys in need, now and into the future.
Local community members are encouraged to stay informed and engaged by attending the upcoming meeting regarding the MZO application on June 3 and supporters in Ontario can voice their concern to their local MPP. More information is available on the Help Protect Puslinch website: https://www.helpprotectpuslinch.ca/

Help Protect Puslinch is hosting a community meeting at the Puslinch Community Centre on Wednesday, June 3rd at 7:00pm.

•Learn more about the proposed MZO and its potential impact

•Hear from community leaders and special guests:

David Donnelly, environmental and municipal lawyer from Donnelly Law

Mike Balkwill, Small Change Fund

Sandra Pady, Founder of the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

•Ask questions and discuss next steps

•Show strong public support for responsible planning and local decision-making

RSVP on our website. Links in bio.

Lawn signs available. If you are not able to attend but still wish to receive a lawn sign, please reach out to us directly at [email protected]

05/26/2026

Some mornings are made for naps!
Ricky and Misty were recently spotted enjoying a peaceful morning snooze together. Moments like these that remind us how important safety, comfort, and compassionate care are for donkeys in need.
Before arriving at the DSC in the summer of 2024, Ricky lived in a caring home alongside five donkey friends and a mule. When their owner had to downsize due to health concerns, the group came to the DSC together. Ricky was a little timid and nervous at first, but little by little, he’s gaining confidence and learning that life here is full of kindness, patience, and cozy naps.
Misty’s journey has also been one of healing. She arrived at the DSC suffering from painful laminitis and was often too uncomfortable to stand for long periods. With careful hoof care, special supportive shoes, and ongoing medical attention, Misty is now much more comfortable and able to enjoy quiet moments like this one.

05/25/2026

Luke has discovered a very particular delicacy and it’s growing just beyond the fence! In today’s video, you can see him happily nibbling away at fresh weeds like they’re the finest treats on the menu.
Before arriving at the DSC, Luke spent 23 years on a farm where he was a cherished pet for nearly his entire life. But as he aged, his health needs became more difficult to manage and the family made the compassionate decision in the summer of 2023 to bring him to the DSC where he could receive lifelong support.
Like many donkeys who come to us after years of overfeeding, Luke arrived carrying extra weight, which has contributed to ongoing health challenges. He now lives in our Special Care herd where his individual needs can be closely supported. But, if Luke has anything to say about it, he will still always find the “good greens,” fence or no fence.

05/14/2026

Today was dental day for Kingston!
We’re happy to report that Kingston was a great patient for his dental appointment. Thanks to lots of practice sessions, he’s become a pro at walking himself right into the stocks like he’s been doing it for years.
He also had some excellent emotional support from Terra, who stayed nearby to help cheer him on through the process.
We’re so proud of how far Kingston has come and grateful to our care team for helping make new experiences positive ones for him!

05/13/2026

May is a big birthday month at the DSC!
Happy Birthday to Dylan, Ross, Carling, and Carrie! Each of them has been enjoying their own little milestones lately.
Carling has been doing really well after getting new glue-on shoes , and we’re so happy to see him moving more comfortably. Dylan continues to make everyone smile with his enthusiasm for his metabolism medication. He’ll often bray at staff when he thinks it’s time for his favourite treat!
Ross has been enjoying lots of quality time with volunteers, including relaxing grooming sessions and several lovely walks around the property. Meanwhile, Carrie has been working hard with a staff member to become more comfortable being handled by new people. She’s still nervous, but slowly and steadily gaining confidence with every positive experience.
Please join us in wishing these wonderful long-ears a very happy birthday month!