​Little Donkeys Rescued in Time for Christmas

Two little donkeys have been saved from an uncertain fate by Penryn-based donkey sanctuary, The Flicka Foundation.

A small team from The Flicka Foundation jumped into action to save two young donkeys from a live animal market in what turned out to be a traumatic rescue. As the donkeys were being transported to safety, the charity’s horse lorry broke down and they had to be swapped into a trailer by the side of a busy main road on a dark, stormy night. The frightened animals were likely torn from their mothers by a dealer and experts at Flicka estimate one of them to be as young as 7 weeks old. Donkey foals don’t naturally wean until they are around 6 months old and are emotionally dependent on their mothers for many months to follow. The Welfare of Horses at Markets Order of 1990 makes it an offence to sell foals under 5 months old without their mothers.
 
The tiniest foal, who has been named Paddington, was very sick and collapsed on arrival at the sanctuary. He is now receiving lots of loving TLC, but is underweight and undernourished. He also has a serious eye infection and needs treatment for lice and rainscald due to the neglect he has suffered.

Laurie Stephenson, Flicka Foundation Director said, “There are laws in place that are meant to prevent this from happening, but sadly they are simply not enforced properly. Paddington is absolutely tiny at just 7 weeks old and should still be suckling from his mother. We can only imagine the trauma and despair she endured at the loss of her baby.”

Paddington and his young friend, Penny, are now safe at The Flicka Foundation, but they will require weeks of specialist care and attention, veterinary treatment and milk formula.


The charity currently cares for around 70 donkeys and 25 horses; many rescued from conditions of abuse and neglect. Each individual now enjoys a relaxed life at the sanctuary, with spacious paddocks, cosy stables and equine company. Caroline Quentin, Paul O’ Grady and Felicity Kendal are all patrons of the charity.


Laurie added: “Although Paddington and Penny are now safe at our sanctuary, we are desperate for funds to help cover their special care for the coming months. Our winter feed costs £1000 per week and we've also had a quote of £4400 to replace the gearbox on our horse lorry, which is vital to our work, so we really do need all the help we can get at the moment.”
 
You can follow the progress of the donkeys on The Flicka Foundation’s Facebook page. The charity has recently launched an urgent appeal to cover the costs of Paddington’s vet care and feeding its equine residents over the winter months. You can find out more and donate here: www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/flicka-foundation/wintercareappeal
 
 
<ENDS>
 
Notes to Editors:
 
About The Flicka Foundation
The Flicka Foundation Horse and Donkey Sanctuary (Charity reg. No. 1153858) was founded by Mary Berryman in 1995, following the rescue of an elderly pony named Mickey. Mary loved all animals with a passion and could not bear animal suffering. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, the charity has rescued and rehabilitated well over 350 animals since its inception. Members of the public are welcome to visit the horses and donkeys all year round.
 
Telephone: 01326 373601 
Web: www.flickafoundation.org.uk
Opening Times: 11.00-16.00 daily (closed Mondays and Fridays)
For more information or pictures, please contact:
Judy Giles (Director, Trustee)
[email protected]
Tel; 01326 373601