The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary
Rescue & welfare for donkeys
We offer any donkey in need a loving and forever home in the Wroxall valley on the Isle of Wight. Our charity relies entirely on donations, adoptions and fundraising from the public. Without you, we wouldn't exist.
We're open 7 days a week, 10am - 4:30pm.
Open all year
Open 7 days a week, 10am - 4:30pm.
No need to book, just pop in. Our donkeys can't wait to meet you.
*Closed Christmas day and New Year's day.
Free entry and free parking
We offer free entry and free parking with disabled spaces available.
No booking is required. Feel free to visit us anytime during our opening hours. If you’re bringing a coach, please book on this page.
Most of our visitors spend about 2-3 hours at our sanctuary. It takes time to say hello to over 100 donkeys and ponies, but you're welcome to stay as long as you like.
Dog friendly
Well behaved dogs are welcomed with open hooves! We have even won awards for the best place to bring your dog on the Island.
Activities & events
There are over 100 donkeys, mules, and Shetland ponies for you to meet and interact with.
Read the signage to learn loads about our animals, our grab one of our souvenir guides. Book an unforgettable donkey experience and get 2 hours behind the scenes access!
Adopt your favourite furry friend!
There are over 50 donkeys, ponies, and mules to adopt - pop in to the adoption hub, our shop, or adopt online.
Café
Enjoy delicious homemade food in our Cafe - our beautiful converted barn - whilst looking over the paddocks, or bring a picnic and relax in the Wildlife Meadows.
Hot food served until 4pm.
Our key aims
Rescue and Welfare
Supporting our donkeys
We rescue donkeys who have been abandoned, made homeless, have lost their grazing or can no longer be looked after. We give the absolute best care to our donkeys, and have a welfare regime to match their individual needs. Our staff look after most of the medical needs of our donkeys, ranging from minor scrapes, coughs and colds, to more serious conditions.
Education Centre
Learn at the IWDS
How did our donkeys get here? How do we look after them? We encourage learning about all aspects of our Sanctuary. Our signage around the site tells you about the donkeys' journeys and what it takes to run the farm, and our staff and volunteers are always happy to answer any questions you may have.
Donkey Therapy
Interact with our donkeys
Our donkeys visit residential homes within the Isle of Wight community, where they provide a delightful sensory experience for residents and staff alike. We visit Alzheimer’s Centres, organisations for those with special needs, day centres, and nursing homes. Our donkeys love the fuss and attention, whilst humans love our donkeys.
You can get close to our donkeys when you visit by booking a Donkey Experience.
Visitor Attraction
Come and see us!
Tour the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary with a guide, learn about how we rescue donkeys, how we care for them, what we feed them with, why the vet attends to them, and what the farrier does. Have your picture taken with a donkey - they love posing! Learn their individual stories and why they need your help.
