It may still be summer here in the UK, but our sanctuary team are already looking ahead to the wetter months coming up in Israel – and making sure our rescue donkeys will be warm and dry for when winter arrives.
I also have a little update for you on Shemesh, our newest rescue, who is continuing to settle into her new home.
Thank you, as always, for all your support to Safe Haven and the donkeys, mules and horses in our care.
Update from the Sanctuary – 27th August 2026
With around 180 rescued donkeys living at our sanctuary, preparing for winter is a big job. This year, the colder, wetter weather is expected to arrive earlier than usual, so our team are already hard at work getting everything ready.
Moussa, Eyad and the sanctuary team have been carrying out extensive cleaning around the shelters, clearing water channels and preparing the ground for drainage work. They’re also getting the hay storage area ready, helping to make sure the herd’s food stays dry and protected whatever the weather brings.
Keeping the water channels clear is vital to prevent the sanctuary paddock becoming water logged when heavy rains arrive in the winter.
We have also welcomed a new resident – Shemesh – our newest rescue donkey, who was found wandering alone near Beit Shemesh.
Shemesh is our latest rescue – here she is in the quarantine zone, while she settles into her new home.
She is still spending some time separately from the main herd, in our quarantine zone, while she settles in. Our gentle donkey Dolly is keeping her company – Dolly is away from the herd recovering from an abscess on her neck. It’s lovely to know that after arriving at the sanctuary alone, Shemesh now has a safe home and a new friend.
We’re pleased to say Shemesh isn’t alone – here she is with Dolly, who has been keeping her company while they both receive a little extra care. Donkeys can form close bonds with companions, and we’re hopeful these two will soon become firm friends.
And while we’ve been busy preparing for winter, the donkeys have been keeping busy too. A new enrichment tyre filled with carrots, cucumber and dried leaves has been a particular hit – encouraging them to investigate, play and put those wonderfully inquisitive noses to work.
Enrichment is great for our rescue donkeys – plus a few carrot and cucumber treats.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this week’s update, and seeing some photos of our very happy donkeys.
As ever, thank you for helping us give Shemesh, and every donkey at our sanctuary, the care they need all year round.
Thank you ♥️♥️
With around 180 rescued donkeys living at our sanctuary, there is always plenty to do to keep them safe, healthy and comfortable – from preparing shelters and drainage for winter to providing food, veterinary care and enrichment throughout the year.
Thank you for helping us give donkeys like Shemesh a safe home and the lifelong care they need. Your support means our team can continue to care for every donkey at the sanctuary, whatever the season brings.
Gervais is just one of the donkeys your support is helping to care for. Thank you so much for all your donations.