When I heard that our much-loved Burnie had some company, I was especially pleased to hear who had joined him. Theodora has always had a soft spot for Burnie, and now the two can spend their days together while his sores heal in our hospital zone at the Sanctuary Israel.
There’s also sad news to share too. On Sunday evening we lost dear Basil, who had lived with us since 2010. Sixteen years is a long time to know and care for a donkey, and I know many of you will be sad to hear he’s gone.
But thank you for giving donkeys like Basil a home with us, for as long as they need one, and for caring what happens to each and every donkey in our care.
Update from Sanctuary – 12th November 2026
You may remember that Burnie had been scratching himself against the fencing until his skin was sore. We moved him into our hospital zone so we could look after him while his skin healed. It’s taking a little time, but Moussa, who’s been gently applying cream to the sore patches, says they’re starting to look a little better.
In the meantime, the team thought of something else that might help Burnie feel more at home. Knowing how fond Theodora is of him, they moved her in too. Now, while Burnie needs to stay apart from the main herd, he has a friend by his side.
Theodora has always been fond of Burnie. Now she’s moved in to keep him company while his skin heals.
For Deborah and her young foal, Gervais, getting to know the rest of the herd has been a gradual affair. The team wanted to give Gervais time to find her feet among all those bigger donkeys, with her mum close by.
Those introductions have gone so well that mother and daughter are now living with the main herd. It’s lovely to see little Gervais taking her place alongside the others.
A big step for little Gervais. After getting to know the bigger donkeys a few at a time, she’s joined the herd with her mum, Deborah.
Our rescue donkeys received hoof trims last week, with some of the more curious donkeys taking a big interest! With a whole herd of donkeys to get round, hoof-trimming week is quite an undertaking.
A regular trim helps keep each donkey comfortable and prevents overgrown hooves from making walking painful. It’s one of the many ways your support is helping to care for the herd.
One donkey at a time, the team work their way around the herd. Regular hoof trims help keep every donkey comfortable on their feet.
In Memory of Basil
Basil came to live at our sanctuary in 2010. On Sunday 1st November, when our team found him lying down and rolling onto his back, they knew he needed help. They called Dr Rafik, our vet, straight away. He examined Basil and gave him medication, and the team moved him somewhere quiet where they could keep a close eye on him. Despite their care, Basil very sadly died that evening.
Remembering dear Basil, who made his home with us in 2010 and was much loved in his 16 years here.
From a post mortem, we discovered that Basil’s large intestine had twisted, cutting off its blood supply. It was a heartbreaking loss for our team who had looked after him for so many years.
For 16 years, our Sanctuary was Basil’s home. He had the company of our herd of donkeys, and our dedicated team who knew him well enough to spot when he needed them.
Thank you for being part of that life for him. We’ll remember him always.
Thank you to all our donors who support our donkeys – like Basil – to ensure they have the best possible lives at our Sanctuary.
Thank you ♥️♥️
Your kindness gives donkeys like Burnie a home at our sanctuary in Israel, with carers who tend to his sore skin and know just which friend will keep him company while he heals.
You also help care for rescued donkeys at our sanctuary in the West Bank and help our veterinary teams treat working donkeys and horses across Gaza, the West Bank and Egypt.
Thank you for giving our rescued donkeys a lifetime of care and companionship.
Thanks to your support, Gervais is one of our herd of over 200 rescue donkeys. With your help we care for these gentle animals, so they can live happy lives.