Today’s update is a particularly joyful one today.
Because of your support, Deborah – one of our rescue donkeys at our sanctuary in Israel – has been safe and well cared for during the final weeks of her pregnancy. And now, there’s a very special new arrival to celebrate.
Deborah has given birth to a beautiful little foal – a moment our team have been watching and waiting for so closely.
You may remember that comedian Ricky Gervais very kindly gave a generous donation of £100,000 last year to support our work. Today’s update is a lovely reminder of how gifts like his – and yours – come together to make moments like this possible.
Please do take a moment to read this update from the sanctuary team and see the very first photos of our new arrival.
Thank you, as always, for being part of this.
Update from our Sanctuary in Israel
The team at the sanctuary were overjoyed to welcome Deborah’s foal into the world this week. She gave birth to a beautiful little jenny – a female foal – and both mum and baby are doing really well.
It’s always a special moment when a new life begins, but even more so knowing Deborah was once abandoned while pregnant, with no one to care for her.
Deborah with her newly born foal, Gervais.
The foal has been named Gervais, in honour of Ricky Gervais, whose incredibly generous donation of £100,000 last year is helping to fund our work. It feels a fitting tribute – a new life, made possible by kindness.
Mum and foal are doing very well in our mum and baby zone
Theodora, who has been such a constant companion to Deborah, is staying close by for now. As she’s still young and small, the team are keeping her with Deborah and Gervais in our mum and baby area, rather than moving her into the main herd.
The three of them are getting along beautifully – forming their own little group under the careful watch of our staff. We’re hopeful this bond will continue to grow, and that Theodora and Gervais will become the best of friends.
We’ll bring you more photos of Gervais in the weeks ahead.
We only have a few photos and videos to share so far, as Deborah is understandably protective of her newborn. But rest assured, both Deborah and little Gervais are doing wonderfully – safe, content and exactly where they’re meant to be at our sanctuary.
And that’s all thanks to you.
Thank you ♥️♥️
Your support helps us care for rescue donkeys at our sanctuaries in Israel and the West Bank, where they receive nutritious food, specialist care, and the safety of a forever home. You are also helping to fund our vet teams in Gaza, the West Bank, and Egypt, bringing vital veterinary treatment directly to working donkeys, mules and horses in desperate need.
Thank you for caring for these gentle animals.
It’s all thanks to your support we can care for donkeys like Deborah and Gervais. Thank you.
Thanks to you we are able to equip our vet teams with vital equipment – such as this ultrasound machine. Thank you.