The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, a long-standing part of the local community, will be launching a new 5-day-a-week opening schedule from 4 November, designed to further enhance the welfare of its donkeys.

Currently open 7 days a week, the sanctuary will now close to visitors on Thursdays and Fridays. These quiet days will allow staff to dedicate more time for health checks, personalised care and enrichment while providing the donkeys with extended periods of rest and stress-free grazing.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to establish the charity as a centre of excellence in donkey welfare. Over the past year the sanctuary has invested significantly in welfare-focused improvements, including the creation of new paddocks, enhanced shelter conditions, a refurbished care area for donkeys in need of extra attention, and additional training for staff in advanced equine welfare techniques. With many equine residents being elderly or in palliative care, these improvements are vital to ensuring their well-being and comfort.

These improvements have already made a marked difference, with the animals benefiting from better health outcomes. A recent independent EARS (Equid Assessment Research and Scoping) report, conducted by The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth – a global leader in equine welfare - praised the advancements made at the sanctuary, noting improved hoof health, reduced lice infestations, and more relaxed, positive interactions among the donkeys. This new opening schedule will ensure that the sanctuary continues to build on these improvements, providing the best possible care for donkeys and ponies.

New opportunities for community engagement

The quieter days will also allow the sanctuary to strengthen its community engagement programme by hosting small groups, such as dementia care groups, who benefit from a more peaceful environment. This will allow the sanctuary to broaden its outreach and deepen its positive impact on the community.

Susan McCall, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, said:
“We’re incredibly proud of the steps we’ve taken to further enhance our donkeys' welfare. We love seeing visitors enjoy the sanctuary and we also recognise the importance of protecting the well-being of our animals. It’s vital that we balance our commitment to welcoming the public with the need to prioritise the peace and care our donkeys need for a happy, healthy life.”

Dawn Finney, Chair of the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, added:
“On behalf of the trustees, I want to thank everyone who supports the sanctuary - from our wonderful visitors to our hardworking staff, volunteers, our fundraisers and donors. We’re thrilled to be moving towards a sustainable future where both our animals and the community can continue to thrive.”

About the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary

For nearly 40 years, the much-loved sanctuary, based in Wroxall, has been caring for rescued donkeys, mules and ponies. It welcomes over 120,000 visitors each year and remains a cherished destination on the Isle of Wight, offering visitors a unique opportunity to learn about and engage with the sanctuary’s beloved equines, while experiencing the joy of supporting a cause devoted to animal welfare.