The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

11/24/2025

Watch our sweet mini mule enjoy a tasty seasonal treat! Not much is known about Miss Jenny’s past, but when she first arrived at the DSC, she was extremely nervous and kept her distance from people. With vision in just one eye, the world can feel a little uncertain, but with patience and kindness, Miss Jenny has learned to trust, even welcoming gentle pats on her blind side.

Now living comfortably in our Special Care paddock, moments like this remind us just how far she’s come. From fearful to flourishing, Miss Jenny is soaking up the attention (and the pumpkin!) one bite at a time

11/23/2025

A very big thank you to Kahn Forge, Inc. for their thoughtful donation of Durasole to the DSC. Your kindness is already making a difference for our long-eared friends, including sweet Justin!

Durasole is a hoof-hardening treatment that helps strengthen and protect the soles of our donkeys’ hooves. It reduces tenderness, adds durability on uneven ground, and supports overall hoof health. It's especially important for the many donkeys who arrive with compromised feet.

We’re so grateful for compassionate partners who help keep our herd comfortable, healthy, and feeling their best every day. Thank you for helping our donkeys stay happy and hoof-strong!

11/22/2025

We are so happy to share this resource with donkey stewards across Canada!

We challenged sanctuaries to "Tell Us Something Good"...some positive news from the past year.

Here's the good news from Accredited The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada: this year, they launched a Virtual Learning Centre on donkey care 👏🫏

If you want to learn how to care for a donkey like an accredited sanctuary...look no further!

11/19/2025

Holiday magic is just around the corner at the DSC!

Our Special Holiday Open Days are coming up on November 30, December 7, and December 14, and advance tickets are now available. These days fill up quickly, so be sure to book ahead and enjoy a peaceful seasonal visit with the donkeys and mules.

Visitors on any of the Holiday Open Days can also enter a draw to win a 2026 Annual Pass, giving you unlimited Open Day visits next season!

And don’t forget the extra-special closing on December 14: Candlelight Carols with a guest choir, bringing warmth, music, and holiday spirit to the farm.

Tickets available here: https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/special-open-days/

We can’t wait to celebrate the season with you!

11/18/2025

Meet Bonnie & Buttons!

We’re delighted to welcome two new jennies to the sanctuary farm! Buttons (a gorgeous chocolate brown) and Bonnie (a beautiful grey) arrived on October 28th. They came to us from a very caring home where their elderly caregivers were no longer able to keep up with the level of care they knew the donkeys needed. We’re honoured to be part of their next chapter.

Bonnie gave the pickup team a little challenge during loading, but with patience (and plenty of donkey diplomacy), everyone made it back safe and sound.

Both are just coming out of their quarantine period and will be looking forward to meeting visitors on our special holiday open days. We can’t wait to get to know them as they settle in and discover all the comforts of their new home.

11/17/2025

On November 6th, we said goodbye to one of our dearest residents, Da Vinci, who was peacefully euthanized after sustaining a serious tendon injury. At 39 years old, Da Vinci lived an extraordinary life that was filled with friendship, and gentle wisdom.

Before coming to the DSC, Da Vinci lived on a farm that later became a DSC Host Farm. When the property was sold, his caregivers were deeply concerned for his future, wanting only the best for him. That care followed him here, where he quickly became a treasured member of our Sanctuary community.

From the moment he arrived in 2011, Da Vinci’s warm personality shone through. Whether leaning in for a wither scratch, loudly braying for breakfast, or simply standing quietly with his friends, he had a way of bringing calm and joy to everyone around him. Visitors, volunteers, and staff alike adored his steady, affectionate presence.

Even in his golden years, Da Vinci embraced life fully. He spent his time basking in the sun, sharing peaceful moments with Tequila and his herd, and enjoying every extra treat. Though we were so sad to say goodbye, we take comfort knowing he spent his final years surrounded by the very best care and great affection.

For his grace, spirit, and years of companionship. he will always have a special place in our hearts.

11/12/2025

A little Luke and Franny Update...

Our sweet donkeys Luke and Franny have recently started on an arthritis treatment to help keep them comfortable through the colder months. Their treatment began a little earlier this year because of the chill in the air and they will receive their medication every few days for about a month. We’re happy to report that both are doing really well so far!

Luke, now 30, joined the DSC in the summer of 2023 when his health needs became too much to be managed at his home. He now enjoys life in our Special Care herd, where he gets the extra attention he needs.

Franny, our eldest mini at 34, is also receiving this medication to support her joints. Like Luke, she’s adjusting beautifully to her treatment and is enjoying her cozy routine as winter approaches.

We’re so glad to see both Luke and Franny staying comfortable and content thanks to a little extra care from our animal care team.

11/11/2025

Calling all donkey and mule owners! The Virtual Learning Centre is now LIVE!

We’re excited to introduce a brand-new resource designed with donkey owners in mind. The Virtual Learning Centre on the DSC website brings together the knowledge our donkey care experts have gained over many years and makes it easily accessible for you, wherever you are.

We’re launching with our first video, Donkey Care Essentials, along with downloadable PDF resources to support you in providing the best daily care for your donkeys or mules. You’ll find practical, trustworthy guidance on nutrition, veterinarian and farrier care and more.

…and this is just the beginning! New content will be added regularly as the library grows.

Our mission is to improve donkey welfare everywhere and strengthen the community of dedicated donkey and mule caregivers. These resources are free for all, thanks to the kindness of DSC supporters whose donations make it possible to share this knowledge across Canada and internationally, too.

Whether you’re new to long ears or have years of experience, we hope the Virtual Learning Centre becomes a valuable part of your care toolkit.

Virtual Learning Centre Welcome to the DSC’s Virtual Learning Centre—our library of expert-led videos, designed to help owners provide the best possible care to the donkeys and mules in their lives. Free educational resources for donkey owners The goal of our Virtual Learning Centre is to share ...

11/10/2025

Donkeys are often misunderstood. One of the most common misconceptions we encounter is the belief that donkeys make good “guardian animals” for livestock. While donkeys can be protective by nature, this instinct is frequently overstated and relying on them for predator control can put them at risk.

Donkeys are sensitive, intelligent, and social herd animals. They thrive with companionship of their own species, consistent care, and a peaceful environment. When placed in high-stress situations to defend livestock from predators, they can become anxious, overwhelmed, or even injured.

Sadly, we see the consequences of this misconception far too often. Sherlock (recently returned from a great DSC Host Farm) and Apollo, now safe with the DSC, both suffered when they “failed” to meet expectations as guardian animals. Instead of receiving understanding and proper care, they were neglected because they did not perform the role humans assigned to them, one they were never meant to fill.

At the DSC, we advocate for donkeys to be valued for what they are and not for what they might potentially protect. Livestock guardian dogs are a far more reliable and humane solution for predator management.

Donkeys deserve homes where they are respected, supported and not placed in harm’s way.

11/06/2025

Looking for a meaningful gift that truly makes a difference?

This holiday season, give the gift of compassion with a Donkey or Mule Gift Sponsorship from the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada!

A sponsorship helps provide rescued donkeys and mules with nutritious food, warm shelter, veterinary care, and the enrichment they need all year long.

🌟 How it works:
When you donate a Gift Sponsorship, your recipient will receive a special voucher, allowing them to choose the donkey or mule they would like to sponsor. It’s a gift that’s personal, meaningful, and full of heart!

Perfect for:
✔ Animal lovers of all ages
✔ Teachers, family members, and friends
✔ Someone who “has everything”
✔ Eco-friendly and meaningful gifting

Their chosen long-eared friend will bring joy well beyond the holidays and your gift will directly support the care of donkeys and mules in need.

Share the joy of kindness this season.
Sponsor a gift today: https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/donkey/gift-sponsorship-voucher/

11/05/2025

We’re heading to the Royal!

We're excited to share that we’ll have a booth at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair again this year! We'll be there from November 7th to 10th. You can find us in Hall B across from the Dairy Farmers of Ontario exhibit.

Come by and meet members of our team, learn more about donkeys and mules, and discover how the DSC is making a difference for equines in need.

Whether you’re already a supporter or just curious to learn more, we’d love to see you there! Pop by to say hello!

Who’s planning a visit to the Royal this year?

11/04/2025

Holiday Shopping at the Long Ears Boutique!

Looking for the perfect donkey-themed gifts this season? The Long Ears Boutique will be open for Christmas shopping every Monday and Friday from 9:00am–12:00pm, beginning November 24 until December 19. (Note: the barnyard will NOT be open during this time - boutique access only)

Browse a selection of unique, donkey-inspired items that are perfect for holiday gifting and stocking stuffers. https://long-ears-boutique.myshopify.com/

Pre-ordered Sponsorship Packages
If you’ve placed a sponsorship order for holiday gift-giving, you can opt to pick up your package at the Boutique during these open hours! https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/sponsor-a-donkey/

Special Holiday Open Days!
In addition to those special Boutique hours, join us for festive Holiday Open Days on:
November 30, December 7, and December 14
Tickets available https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/special-open-days/