Primrose thriving after eye removal

Seven-year-old Primrose was one of more than 70 donkeys removed from unimaginable conditions as part of Operation Dawn, our largest and most complex rescue to date.

Four years on from that fateful day, Primrose has undergone a complete rehabilitation – but the impact of her past is evident for all to see.

She now lives with one eye after the other was removed due to chronic recurring optic issues. Despite this, Primrose has coped ‘amazingly well’, says our Rehoming Centre Supervisor Josie Blaber.

“Primrose became quite depressed with her poorly eye,” Josie explains. “The constant, painful ulcers she had to endure were very draining.

“Our Veterinary team thought it would be in her best interests to remove the affected eye to improve her quality of life.

“Since having the eye removed, Primrose has bounced back to her normal happy self. It hasn’t set her back at all and she has coped very well indeed.”

Caring for two new arrivals

When Primrose arrived at The Donkey Sanctuary back in 2021, our New Arrivals team discovered she was pregnant.

Just three months after her arrival, Primrose gave birth to a foal called Jonny, and she and her son were moved to one of our other sanctuaries when he was seven months old.

“She has been a great mum to Jonny,” Josie adds. “She also played the role of auntie to another foal called Pickle, who had to be weaned early.

“Pickle’s mum had a nasty sarcoid on her udder and feeding was becoming very painful for her, so the decision was made in the best interests of both mum and foal to wean Pickle early.

“We felt that due to Primrose’s kind temperament, and her foal Jonny being of a similar age, this might be the best option, so Pickle felt looked after and so he could have a playmate.

“Pickle moved to our sanctuary to join the pair and it worked out perfectly; Primrose accepted the little foal and Jonny and Pickle bonded instantly and remain the best of friends.

“The two boys now live at our Donkey Assisted Activities centre in Sidmouth.” 

A new chapter for Primrose

Primrose’s recovery has been remarkable, and is testament to the hard work of our New Arrivals and Farms teams, who have supported every donkey rescued from Operation Dawn.

And there may be more happy news down the line, as Primrose is eligible for rehoming and we are now searching for a new family for her to share her life with.

“Primrose is a quiet and sweet donkey,” Josie says. “She loves people and will always approach for some fuss.

“She also loves running around the fields with her friends and stripping the bark off of willow branches. She is a firm farm favourite!”