The Scottish Donkey Sanctuary

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The Scottish Donkey Sanctuary

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07/06/2026

Did you know that donkeys have a secret "superpower" when it comes to their vision? 👁️✨

Because their eyes are positioned on the sides of their heads, donkeys have an incredible field of view that is almost 360 degrees! This allows them to spot movement from nearly any angle without having to turn their heads.

It was a crucial survival skill for their ancestors in the wild, helping them keep a constant watch for predators while they were busy grazing. It’s one of the reasons they are so naturally alert and aware of everything happening around them at the sanctuary. So, the next time you see a donkey looking calm and relaxed, just remember they are likely keeping a very watchful eye on everything going on around them!

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

31/05/2026

Behind every happy, well-cared-for donkey is a team of humans who are willing to get a little bit messy! 🐴✨

We wanted to send a huge shoutout to our amazing volunteers who help keep this place running. It takes a lot of hard work to keep our sanctuary a safe haven, and our team does it all with a smile. From the "glamorous" daily rituals like poo picking and scrubbing out water troughs to the finer details like keeping our signs fresh, tending to the flower beds, running the shop, selling feed, and even managing the car park, you are crucial to everything we do.

We honestly couldn't keep our gates open without your dedication. We are so lucky to have a team that understands our donkeys so well and shows up, regardless of the weather, to provide them with the best life possible.
Thank you to every single one of you for being part of our herd! ❤️

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

18/05/2026

Did you know that donkey milk has been celebrated for its unique properties for thousands of years? 👑🥛

Historically, figures like Cleopatra famously prized it for its nourishing benefits, reportedly relying on a large herd to maintain her daily routine. Even ancient doctors like Hippocrates prescribed it for various ailments.

While modern sanctuaries focus on giving donkeys a peaceful life of retirement rather than using them for production, the science behind why it was so valued is fascinating. Donkey milk is exceptionally rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, and it actually shares a very similar composition to human milk. In nature, this incredibly nutrient-dense mix is exactly what gives young foals the perfect start in life.

It’s just another reminder of how remarkable these animals are, and why they have been deeply valued and respected throughout history! 🐴✨

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

11/05/2026

Quick reminder that we are now open every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm 🌞

Please visit the link below to book your spot!

https://scottishdonkeysanctuary.org/

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

04/05/2026

Say hi to Treacle the horse alongside Linda, one of our amazing volunteers ❤️

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

26/04/2026

Did you know that a group of donkeys isn't technically called a herd? A collection of these long-eared friends is actually known as a "drove" or a "pace." 🫏

The individual names are just as specific. A male donkey is called a "jack," and a female is known as a "jenny." Whether it's a jack, a jenny, or a whole drove, there is always a lot more to these animals than meets the eye!

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

19/04/2026

Sunny days at our wee Sanctuary 🌞

📷

12/04/2026

Did you know that donkeys are expert "well-diggers"? 🏜️💧

In dry, desert environments, donkeys use their hooves to dig deep into dry riverbeds to find hidden water sources. These "donkey wells" can sometimes reach depths of up to six feet!

This incredible skill doesn't just help the donkeys survive, it also provides a vital lifeline for other wildlife. Once a donkey digs a well, birds, insects, and even other large mammals use it to drink in areas where water is otherwise impossible to find.

They are true desert engineers, helping to support entire ecosystems with their strength and intuition. It’s a powerful reminder of how important these animals are to the natural world!

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

05/04/2026

One of our longest-serving volunteers, Ross, with Toffee the Shetland pony 🐴

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

29/03/2026

Did you know donkeys can sleep while standing perfectly still? 😴🐴

They have a biological feature called a "stay apparatus" - a system of tendons and ligaments that locks their leg joints so they don't tip over. This evolved as a survival mechanism, allowing their ancestors to wake up and move instantly if a predator approached.

However, they can't get deep REM sleep on their feet. For that restorative level of rest, their muscles must fully relax, which requires them to lie down. Since being on the ground makes them vulnerable, a donkey will only settle into a deep sleep when they feel completely secure in their environment.

Seeing a donkey stretched out for a nap isn't a sign of laziness; it's a sign of total comfort and trust in their surroundings.

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

Address

St Boswells
Melrose
TD70EL

Opening Hours

1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+441835823468

Website

https://scottishdonkeysanctuary.org/

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