May is a big birthday month at the DSC! Happy Birthday to Dylan, Ross, Carling, and Carrie! Each of them has been enjoying their own little milestones lately. Please join us in wishing these wonderful long-ears a very happy birthday month!

Please join us in welcoming Remy and Ajay to the DSC. As they settle in, we’re already getting to know their personalities. Remy is curious and eager to explore his new surroundings, while Ajay is taking things a little more cautiously as he adjusts to all the changes.

Please join us in welcoming two new donkey residents to the DSC. Yo-Yo and Don recently arrived at the DSC due to changes at their previous home. From our very first interactions, both donkeys have shown themselves to be friendly, calm, and comfortable with handling. Welcome, Yo-Yo and Don!

World Donkey Day is here! We’ve been proud to introduce you to some of the DSC's Ambassador Donkeys and a Mule, each with a story that reflects the many different reasons donkeys come into our care. On World Donkey Day, we celebrate not only these ambassadors, but all donkeys around the world.

World Donkey Day is May 8! Today we’re featuring Patrick and Kingston, whose journeys highlight the specialized care some animals need to thrive. Patrick and Kingston remind us that rehabilitation takes time, consistency, and compassion, but every small step forward matters. #WorldDonkeyDay

World Donkey Day May 8! Meet 2 of our Ambassadors. Oliver, who is totally blind and with only one fully developed ear, arrived at the DSC because he needed a home to support his needs. Phoebe came when her owner's health meant she couldn't continue provide the care Phoebe needed. #WorldDonkeyDay

World Donkey Day is May 8! As we count down, we’re introducing one of the DSC's Ambassador Donkeys each day. Today, we’re featuring Beans, who represents senior donkeys and the specialized care they often need as they age. #WorldDonkeyDay #DonkeySanctuaryOfCanada #SeniorDonkeys

World Donkey Say is May 8. We're celebrating our Ambassador Donkeys! Aiden represents donkeys with urgent rescue needs. 3 days after he was born, we received an emergency call. Aiden’s mother was gravely ill. He came to the DSC, where he received round-the-clock care. #WorldDonkeyDay#DonkeyWelfare

As Ambassadors, Aiden, Beans, Oliver, Patrick, Phoebe, and Kingston the mule each represents a reason donkeys and mules come into care at the DSC. One Thousand Trees founder Lisa Browning, kindly donated her time, to create a beautiful children’s picture book, plus a companion colouring book!

Open Season at the DSC kicks off this Sunday. And for our senior visitors, don’t forget: our first Seniors’ Day of the year is Tue May 5! You can grab advance tickets or pick up an Annual Pass here: www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/visit-us/ Arean, Peggy and Apollo are waiting to welcome you!

Todd & Tucker came to the DSC in late 2025 from a caring home, but needing extra support after arriving without formal training. Tucker is settling in nicely. He's great with hoof handling now, and slowly building confidence with leading. Todd, as always, is right by his side

Marci and Gemini side by side, keeping each other company as the day winds down, just as they’ve done for so many years. These two made a long journey back in 2001, travelling across Canada with their parents to the DSC. A bond that has grown even stronger over the years, since their parents passing

It's Earth Week at the DSC. Out on the West Ridge pond, the cattails are swaying and doing what they do best, supporting a thriving little ecosystem. In another corner, very content turtles are soaking up the sunshine on logs placed by our Environmental Committee, perfect for basking bliss.

Happy 34th Birthday Monte! At 34, Monte is the definition of grace. Like many miniature donkeys, he faces some dental challenges and he moves a little more slowly as he manages arthritis. But thanks to his glue-on shoes, he stays comfortable. He’s also been bravely managing some ongoing eye issues.

Our gardening team is looking forward to the start of gardening season! We're so grateful to Origin Native Plants for their kind donation of plants and trees to the DSC. These additions will help enhance our natural spaces and support local biodiversity.

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Mom this Mother’s Day? You can make a donation in her honour or let her choose a donkey to sponsor or surprise her with a gift admission. Moms will receive 25% off boutique purchases made in person that day, so she can pick out something she loves. #mother

Patrick has had a big change after losing his buddy Ringo, but he and Luigi have settled in well together, something that hasn’t always come naturally for him. He’s needed careful management. Luigi, rescued with a PVC pipe on his leg, has taken everything in stride and is a calm, steady companion.

Carling enjoys a good roll while his friend Stuart keeps a watchful eye. He recently had a visit from the vet for some x-rays after a laminitis flare-up a few months ago. He's doing fine, but will continue on a low dose of anti-inflammatory meds, along with glue-on shoes to keep him comfortable.

Annual General Meeting – May 27 at 7:00 PM The DSC invites supporters to attend our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM), taking place on May 27th at 7:00 PM . Attend in person or virtually, whatever way suits you best. To receive full attendance details, please RSVP to [email protected]

Have you noticed an increase in videos featuring extremely tiny “micro” donkeys? These are created using AI. There is no “micro” donkey breed beyond the miniature donkey. Animals that appear much smaller than that are not real. Princess Wilma, a miniature donkey, is the tiniest donkey at the DSC.

Thankyou to Jared from Ontario Wildlife Removal for the donation of an owl nesting box. We appreciate this gift, from a company committed to humane wildlife control. Encouraging owls on the DSC grounds helps support a healthy, balanced ecosystem, as they naturally help manage rodent populations.

Our Special Spring Celebration Day was filled with plenty of donkey moments. It was a joy to welcome everyone who came out to spend time with our donkeys and celebrate the season with us. We can’t wait for the start of our regular season Open Days that start on May 3.

All bundled up and beating the chill. Oliver and Duke are staying cozy in their blankets these days while they await the arrival of true spring weather! Because sometimes the best way to weather a chilly day is with a cozy blanket and a very good friend.

We noticed that Walker had an unusual gait that our veterinarian believes may be due to a condition called shivers, a neuromuscular issue that affects the hind limbs. There’s no treatment, but it isn’t causing him any pain. We’ll keep a close eye on him to ensure he stays comfortable and supported.

After a good roll and a deep sleep, Heide woke up completely covered in hay, not a spot missed. It’s the kind of messy that only comes from feeling truly comfortable. Safe, cozy, and a little bit ruffled, Heide in a nutshell. #DonkeyLife #SanctuaryMoments #HayCovered #JustWokeUp

Happy World Frog Day! While donkeys might be the heart of everything we do at the DSC, we’re also proud to share our home with the many small (and very important!) creatures who call our wetlands and ponds their own, including frogs! #WorldFrogDay #Sanctuary #ProtectOurWetlands #BiodiversityMatters

We are sad to share the recent passing of our senior gelding Ringo. He began experiencing age-related muscle weakness that made it difficult for him to stand after lying down. Despite vet care, his condition declined. Ringo spent his final moments enjoying treats with the staff who cared for him.

Happy St. “Patrick’s” Day from our special birthday boy! Patrick is 29 today. While he doesn't make donkey friends easily, he's slowly learning that it's okay to share his space. We’re celebrating Patrick for exactly who he is. Full of personality, a bit particular, and completely one-of-a-kind!

The milder temperatures today seem to suit Arean just fine. Out in the Special Care paddock, she’s enjoying the milder air and a calm start to the day. After a long stretch of winter weather, these gentler temperatures are a welcome change for everyone!

It was a lovely, springlike morning, and Ricky, Beans, and Burrito were out enjoying the fresh air along with the other donkeys. Beans and Ricky were spotted nose to nose, sharing a quiet chat. Sunshine, fresh air, and good company make for a pretty perfect start to the day for all the donkeys.

Tucker has been settling in nicely and we’re happy to share a little update on his progress! Tucker has been doing well with his hoof handling. We’re focusing on his front feet and will gradually work toward his hind feet as he becomes more comfortable. Every small step is a big win for this boy!

For about a month, we were treating an issue with Miss Jenny's blind eye. After careful consideration, the decision was made to remove the eye and we’re happy to share that the procedure went very well. If you’ve ever met Miss Jenny, you know she may be small, but her spirit is anything but!

March is birthday month for Marci and Patrick! Patrick came to us in 2021 when his owner’s health declined and he wanted to ensure Patrick would have lifelong care here. Marci’s journey to us goes back to 2001, when she travelled from Salt Spring Island with her parents and her brother Gemini.

Sam and Luna are back at the DSC Sanctuary farm from their Host Farm. They were well cared for but after a vet visit and dental exam, it was clear Luna now needs special dental and senior care. Sam is her steady companion so he has returned with her so she can receive the extra support she needs.

The DSC is inviting donkey owners and caregivers across the country to take part in a survey designed to better understand how donkeys are cared for today. Take the survey here: uoguelph.eu.qualtrics.com/.../SV_exEXC... Every response helps us improve care and advocate for donkeys across Canada.

Join us at the DSC on Palm Sunday, March 29, for a Spring Celebration Open Day! From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. celebrate the season of renewal with us. Purchase tickets: www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/special-open... Use promo code PALM at checkout to receive 25% off your tickets for this special day!

Save the Date! Spring Community Work Day at the DSC. Sat April 11 10am to 2pm The Community Work Day is a great volunteer opportunity. Help get the Sanctuary ready for visitors! The donkeys will be waiting to welcome you! Sign up by emailing [email protected]

It's World Spay Day. Our resident cats, Caramel, Supernova, and Captain, are spayed or neutered so we don’t contribute to overpopulation. They may be small compared to our donkeys, but they’re an important part of our sanctuary! #WorldSpayDay #AnimalWelfare #ResponsibleCare #DonkeySanctuaryOfCanada

Opal may be small, but don’t let her size fool you. This little donkey has a BIG personality! Opal is enjoying life in the diet paddock where our team is carefully managing her weight. Full of charm, confidence, and a little bit of sass, Opal keeps us all smiling every day!

Gerry’s journey began with uncertainty. He and his two offspring mules were left on a farm without proper shelter or food. Concerned neighbours reached out, and they were quickly brought to safety at the DSC where their new chapter began in 2016 . www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/donkey/gerry/

What does a donkey sanctuary have to do with agriculture? Quite a lot, actually. We are a working farm and proud to be part of a rural agricultural community. We’re connected to the land, to local farmers, and to the rhythms of rural life. #DonkeySanctuary #RuralCommunity #WorkingFarm #Agriculture

Happy World Pulses Day from our very own Beans! Beans and his friend Burrito arrived at the DSC in 2017 after their owner was no longer able to care for them. Because of his advanced age (29) and susceptibility to respiratory infections, Beans lives in our special care paddock, alongside Burrito.

Teeth are a big deal for donkeys. Regular dental exams and teeth floating help smooth sharp points and support comfortable chewing, Fun fact: miniature donkeys have the same number of teeth as standard donkeys, just in a smaller mouth, which makes dental care super important for minis!

Hello from both sides of the gate! Demetri and Cotton were recently spotted saying hello to each other through the paddock gate and it was one of those moments we enjoy seeing around here.

Healthy Forage for Happy Donkeys! If you’ve ever wondered what makes donkey nutrition so different from horses, we have an educational video that breaks it all down. We think you'll find it's super helpful! Watch here ➡️ www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/virtual-lear... #Donkeys #ForageSmart

Not long after his arrival at the DSC in 2024, we noticed soreness in Rufus’s front hooves. He did well for a while with orthotic boots and a cushioned stall. But, when we could no longer keep him comfortable, Rufus was humanely euthanized on Jan 22, surrounded by people who cared deeply for him.

Born in 2015, Cash lost his mom when he was a yearling. He missed out on social skills and proper care. When he came to the DSC in 2021, his hooves were overgrown, and he did not know how to interact politely. Now, he enjoys ear and wither scratches, and running around with his friends.

Before coming to the DSC in 2021, Monterey lived with cattle and about ten other donkeys, but there was no appropriate shelter, nutrition, or regular care. He arrived at the DSC as a jack, and we think he likely fathered many of the young donkeys who came with him. He was gelded after his arrival.

Carling has had a tough stretch lately. Soreness in his front hooves first showed up as abscesses. Our vet team diagnosed him with laminitis. We started our laminitis care protocol, and Carling has recently been able to come off it. He's on daily medication and we're exploring remedial shoes.

Johnny’s journey hasn’t always been easy, but at 33-years-old, this senior donkey continues to show us just how remarkable he is. Recently, Johnny has needed a little extra care, which reminds us how important comfort, routine, and compassionate care are, especially for our older residents.