This week’s update is from our sanctuary in Israel, to catch up with some of the donkeys you’re helping us care for.
There’s news of our newest resident – Shemesh – as she settles in, some familiar faces enjoying each other’s company, and a little donkey getting to know the wider herd.
Thanks to you, our rescue donkeys have somewhere they can receive the care they need, make friends and take life at their own pace. I hope you enjoy spending a few moments with them – seeing where your donations are having an amazing impact.
Update from our Sanctuary in Israel – 1st October 2026
You may remember Shemesh, who was found alone near Beit Shemesh. Her name means ‘sun’, and she now has her very own name tag as she moves out of the quarantine zone into our ‘high support’ area.
She’s still shy and a little frightened, so our team is giving her time and space to settle, while treating her eye ulcer and hoof injury she arrived with.
There’s good news about Dolly too. She kept Shemesh company in quarantine while recovering from a neck abscess, and her wound is now looking much better.
Shemesh is settling into sanctuary life. She’ll slowly be integrated into the main herd but for now the team are keeping a close eye on her ulcer and hoof injury.
Chico, Abu Sabber, Marmite, Samson, Petunia and Anisa have all had dental treatment this week.
This is incredibly important, as donkeys’ teeth can develop sharp edges that make chewing painful. Our team arranged rasping to smooth uneven areas and scaling to remove built-up tartar.
It’s one of the less visible parts of sanctuary life, but it matters enormously. Your donations and adoptions help provide the regular care that keeps our donkeys comfortable and spots problems before they become more serious.
Regular dental treatment helps our donkeys eat without pain from sharp or uneven teeth.
Theodora and Burnie’s friendship is still going strong, and this week they’ve been spending time with Holly too.
Theodora was only around six months old when she arrived with a dog-bite wound, while Burnie has called the sanctuary home since 2007, and still needs care for lasting damage from burns, including his familiar protective coat.
Seeing them comfortable in each other’s company is a lovely reminder of what care beyond rescue means: a safe home, companionship and someone looking after them throughout their lives.
With mum Deborah close by, Gervais is getting to know the other donkeys in the herd at her own pace.
And our youngest member of the sanctuary herd – Little Gervais – is continuing her morning visits to the main herd, with mum Deborah close by.
These outings give her exercise and time to get used to the other donkeys. She isn’t ready to join them permanently yet, so the team is taking things slowly.
For now, she can explore and meet her neighbours with the reassurance of having her mum beside her. Thank you for helping give Gervais this gentle start in life, and for caring about every donkey who calls our sanctuary home.
A safe home, a friend nearby and care whenever it’s needed. Thank you for helping our rescue donkeys.
Thank you ♥️♥️
From helping Shemesh settle in to keeping all our rescue herd comfortable, your kindness is part of everyday life at our sanctuary.
You help give rescued donkeys the care and companionship they need, while helping our veterinary teams reach working animals across the Middle East.
Thank you for being there for them, wherever they need us.
Our rescued donkeys can enjoy a safe and gentle life – complete with a scratching post! And a good scratch is even better with a friend beside you.