Remembering Percy, our gentle giant

Percy lived a long and happy life, spending many years at our Sidmouth sanctuary receiving expert care and treatment. Over the last 18 months, Percy has been treated for recurring laminitis, a hoof condition which can be very serious for donkeys. Our veterinary and farm teams were able to treat him with pain medication and manage his environment to help relieve the pressure on his feet. Percy was monitored closely during this time, including periods where he was not responding well to treatment.

Sadly, over the past couple of weeks, Percy hadn’t been responding to his treatment, with X-rays showing irreversible changes to the bones in his feet. Even with further medication and management, it was clear that his condition was worsening. Despite the best efforts of our veterinary and farm teams, we made the heartbreaking decision that the kindest course of action was to gently put him to sleep and prevent him from further suffering.

On Friday 3 October, Percy passed away peacefully surrounded by his friends and grooms.

A tribute to Percy

Laura Attwood, Slade House Farm Supervisor at The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth, fondly remembers our gentle giant, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved adoption donkey Percy; his distinctive long, shaggy coat and gentle presence brought joy to all who met him.

“Whether he was ambling slowly across the field, delighting visitors with his charm or leaning in for a scratch behind the ears, he had a way of making these moments feel timeless.

“Though he has now gone to greener pastures, Percy leaves behind more than memories—he leaves behind smiles, laughter, and the quiet comfort of knowing such a beautiful donkey once shared our lives.”

Maxine Carter, Slade House Farm Manager at The Donkey Sanctuary Sidmouth, adds, “He was truly such a gentle donkey, with a quiet and aloof nature. He liked keeping himself to himself and never got involved in too much trouble. Even on filming and photography days, it was always on his terms.”

“He certainly kept staff and volunteers busy on grooming days. It was never an easy task keeping the knots at bay and his coat tangle free.

“Poitou donkeys are not a very common breed, so we will really miss Percy and his wonderfully gentle nature.”

Life at the sanctuary

Percy arrived at our Sidmouth sanctuary in 2012, when he was relinquished as a beautiful young donkey by his owner. Since arriving at our sanctuary, Percy was guaranteed a safe and happy home forever.

During his time with us, he amazed visitors by his sheer size and beautiful long coat – he definitely stood out from the crowd! In 2022, Percy became one of our adoption donkeys, where his affectionate personality and stunning coat made him a firm favourite amongst supporters.

Percy was an incredibly inquisitive donkey and loved nothing more than foraging for tasty foliage along the hedgerows at our Sidmouth sanctuary. He would often be seen having a good roll around or chasing his donkey friends around the field.

In July 2024, Percy moved from his previous home at Buffalo Barn to Shelter 6, where he joined fellow Poitou donkey Champagne and Mabel the mule. The move to Shelter 6, helped our farm teams to further manage his hoof conditions, and limited his access to sugar-rich grass, which is linked to laminitis.

Sadly, Percy lost his friend Champagne in July 2025 but continued to live alongside Mabel at Shelter 6, where the pair enjoyed the company of the many visitors who came to see them.

As a friend of everyone, Percy will be very sadly missed by his donkey friends at Buffalo Barn, Shelter 6 and all the supporters and grooms who were lucky enough to know him. Rest in peace Percy.

Note to Percy’s adopters

We know this news will be sad for you to hear, but please rest assured that there is no need for you to do anything. We will be writing to you very soon with more information about your adoption. 

Thanks to your support, Percy lived a long and happy life at The Donkey Sanctuary, where he enjoyed the best possible care in a loving, secure environment.

If you have consented to receive updates for Percy in the post, you will soon receive an Autumn Update from him. Sadly, due to printing schedules, complexities and associated costs, we were unable to remove Percy’s update from the mailing.

We are very sorry if receiving Percy’s Autumn Update after his passing causes any upset but we really hope Percy’s final update brings you some comfort and serves as a special way to remember him by.

We are so grateful for your support, which helps so many more donkeys across the UK and further afield to live a life free from suffering and neglect.