Donkeys from major rescue find forever homes

We were among the 100 charity workers who attended the RSPCA-led rescue in November 2023, where more than 450 animals of 19 different species, including 29 donkeys, were discovered in the most appalling conditions.

Now, the two pairs of donkeys – Bourbon and Curlywurly, Dusty and Dazzle – have been found loving forever homes with Anita and Nicky, who are best friends and live just a few miles apart in West Devon.

Although taken in by the RSPCA, we have been providing expert care and veterinary support for the donkeys, and following the conclusion of the case this year we helped to find loving new forever homes for the donkeys who could be directly rehomed.

Inspired by friendship

Anita and Nicky have known each other for more than 35 years and met through a moorland riding and trekking stable.

Anita explained: “We bonded through a mutual love for horses and became close friends, riding and attending lessons and courses together. Fifteen years ago, Nicky bought the foal of my mare, Ruby, who she named Frankie.”

Sadly, the two friends lost Ruby and Frankie within 24 hours of each other last summer and it was then that Nicky made the decision to take in a couple of rescue donkeys.

Anita continued: “When Nicky told me she had applied for some donkeys, I too decided to go down that route.”

In addition to placing suitable donkeys with Guardians on our Rehoming Scheme, we also facilitate and support direct moves from private homes and other organisations such as the RSPCA, so donkeys can be placed in the ownership of a new forever home.

A new start for Bourbon and Curlywurly

After Nicky had visited Bourbon and Curlywurly at their temporary sanctuary home in East Devon, she explained: “On meeting the two gorgeous donkeys, how could I say no to such lovely ladies who spent the visit trying to nibble my coat and demand scratches?”

Following a visit from a Donkey Welfare Adviser to Nicky’s family home, arrangements were made for Bourbon and Curlywurly to join her.

An image of a large brown donkey and a white and grey donkey with a smiling women stood between them in a woodchip paddock. — Bourbon (left) and Curlywurly with Nicky.

Nicky explained: “The two donkeys settled in quickly. Bourbon, who we think is around 13 years old, is definitely the more confident of the two and is often the first to greet you.

“Six-year-old Curlywurly seems a little more reserved, but she’s very happy to follow Bourbon’s lead.”

Even with many years’ experience of owning horses and ponies, Nicky quickly learned how donkeys are very different in many ways to other equines.

She explained: “Even though many things to do with their care are similar, such as vaccines and farrier care, they definitely have their own requirements, and we’ve needed to adapt what we do.

“They like spending most of their time in the yard: even though they’ve got access to grass, and will come out with me if I take their food out there, as soon as it’s gone they’re back in.

“Donkeys are loud too! They certainly let you know when it’s breakfast, lunch and dinner time. Our yard is next to our garden, so when we step out of the back door we’re often greeted by a full-blown bray.”

A loving new home for Dusty and Dazzle

On hearing their brays down the valley, Dusty and Dazzle often try and answer them, but they haven’t quite developed their full brays yet.

Anita explained how her two younger donkeys are such different characters: “Dusty, the smaller of the two, is quite timid when meeting new people and will hide behind Dazzle until she is convinced the person is ‘safe’. However, Dusty is far more confident and will often take the lead.”

An image of a brown donkey with a white face grazing as another brown donkey with a white face and stomach stands next to a women in a grass paddock. — Dusty (left) and Dazzle with Anita.

An image of two brown donkeys with white stomachs grazing in a grass paddock. — Dusty (left) and Dazzle at their new home.

The perfect parings

Alongside the guidance and expertise of our wider teams during the rehoming process, both Anita and Nicky have the support of one of our Donkey Welfare Advisers, Hannah Slator, who is always at the end of the phone if needed.

Not only that, being close friends and living nearby has meant Anita and Nicky have been able to share their new experiences of donkey ownership too.

Hannah said: “After meeting Nicky and Anita, I knew that they could both provide fantastic forever homes for donkeys.

“On chatting with colleagues, it was apparent that we had two perfect pairs of donkeys less than an hour’s drive away, and after we had all arrived and met them, it was clear that we had matched the perfect donkeys to their new owners. Then just a week later, they were settled into their new homes in Dartmoor.”

Hannah added: “It has been a real pleasure to help rehome both pairs of donkeys with Nicky and Anita, and I can’t wait to watch them all grow in confidence – and height!”

From being rescued from appalling conditions back in 2023, Bourbon and Curlywurly are thriving in Nicky’s care, while Anita has provided young donkeys Dusty and Dazzle with a loving home for life.

Nicky added: “Our donkeys always put a smile on my face when I see them. They’re funny, friendly and very cuddly, especially if they know you’ve got a treat! In short, I wouldn’t be without them.”