The Scottish Donkey Sanctuary

The Scottish Donkey Sanctuary Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Scottish Donkey Sanctuary, St Boswells, Melrose.
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Just a little reminder that our last visiting day will be Saturday 3rd of January before we close for the winter break ☃...
28/12/2025

Just a little reminder that our last visiting day will be Saturday 3rd of January before we close for the winter break ☃️

If you want a final day out with our amazing animals for the next wee while, please book a ticket through the link below 🎟

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/visit-the-scottish-donkey-sanctuary-tickets-1269350474439

Otherwise, information will follow for our reopening dates!

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

Did you know the beautiful story behind the "Donkey Cross"? 🎄​Many donkeys have a distinctive dark stripe running down t...
23/12/2025

Did you know the beautiful story behind the "Donkey Cross"? 🎄

​Many donkeys have a distinctive dark stripe running down their spine and across their shoulders, forming the shape of a cross. According to the story of Christmas, the donkey that carried Mary to Bethlehem was so beloved that it was given this "cross" as a mark of its service and devotion.

​While we know it's actually a unique genetic marking from their wild ancestors, it’s a lovely reminder of the special place donkeys hold in our hearts and history during the holiday season! ❤️

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

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Evenings at the donkey sanctuary during December 🌙📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland
17/12/2025

Evenings at the donkey sanctuary during December 🌙

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

Did you know that donkeys are not great at keeping themselves dry? 💧Their dense, absorbent coat is perfect for the dry d...
08/12/2025

Did you know that donkeys are not great at keeping themselves dry? 💧

Their dense, absorbent coat is perfect for the dry desert climates they originally came from, but unlike a horse's coat, it doesn't have the natural oils needed to effectively shed water. This means they can get dangerously chilled in the rain!

That’s why providing a sturdy, dry shelter is absolutely essential for our herd’s health and comfort! 🏠❤️

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

We are very excited to announce that the 2026 Scottish Donkey Sanctuary Calendar is now available 📆Each month features a...
05/12/2025

We are very excited to announce that the 2026 Scottish Donkey Sanctuary Calendar is now available 📆

Each month features a high quality photo of a different resident of the sanctuary taken by our amazing partners Phoenix Photography Scotland

Visit our website - link below - to get yours ❤️

https://scottishdonkeysanctuary.org/adopt/donkey-calendar-2026/

Stuck on Christmas present ideas? 🎁We have a wide range of individual donkeys avaialble to be adopted! This speical gift...
27/11/2025

Stuck on Christmas present ideas? 🎁

We have a wide range of individual donkeys avaialble to be adopted! This speical gift helps ensure we can continue to carry out all of our amazing activities at the sanctuary!

Physical adoption pack are included & adopters get free entry on opening days 🎉

Visit the link below for more information
https://scottishdonkeysanctuary.org/adopt-a-donkey/

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

Did you know that a donkey's famous "hee-haw" is one of the loudest animal calls in the domestic world? 📢Their bray is s...
18/11/2025

Did you know that a donkey's famous "hee-haw" is one of the loudest animal calls in the domestic world? 📢

Their bray is so powerful that in the open, it can be heard for up to three miles!

This amazing volume is an adaptation that helps them communicate and find their friends across vast distances.

Their love for a chat is often heard all over the sanctuary! 😂❤️

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

Does anyone else think it's impossible to be around donkeys and not be smiling 😁📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland
12/11/2025

Does anyone else think it's impossible to be around donkeys and not be smiling 😁

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

Did you know that donkeys rely heavily on scent for communication?They have a powerful sense of smell, which they use to...
06/11/2025

Did you know that donkeys rely heavily on scent for communication?

They have a powerful sense of smell, which they use to recognize other donkeys, identify their territory, and even detect fear or illness! They often "flehmen" (curling back their upper lip) to draw in scents and analyze them with a special organ.

It's a subtle but important way they understand the world around them!

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

When your not quite big enough to look over the fence 😅📷
29/10/2025

When your not quite big enough to look over the fence 😅

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Did you know that donkeys are NOT colourblind? 🎨​While they don't see colour exactly as humans do (they are dichromatic,...
24/10/2025

Did you know that donkeys are NOT colourblind? 🎨

​While they don't see colour exactly as humans do (they are dichromatic, seeing primarily in blue and green hues), they can definitely distinguish colours! This is different from the common misconception that many of them are entirely colourblind.

​It's just another way these smart animals navigate and appreciate their colourful world! ❤️

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

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There's always a lot of curiosity at the sanctuary! 👀 The donkeys are super interested and love to be involved with what...
19/10/2025

There's always a lot of curiosity at the sanctuary! 👀 The donkeys are super interested and love to be involved with whatever's going on. We wouldn't have it any other way ❤️

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

Address

St Boswells
Melrose
TD70EL

Opening Hours

1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+441835823468

Website

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