We had another interesting camera club outing, this time to The Donkey Sanctuary, one of a network of sanctuaries across the UK and abroad dedicated to rescuing donkeys who are unwanted, have been abused or are at risk. Once nurtured back to health, some of them are used in 'donkey-assisted activities', where these gentle, patient and sociable animals help vulnerable children and adults to connect and develop the social and emotional skills they need for life. It is a much bigger, more organised and more far-reaching charity than I realised.
They are surprisingly beautiful animals, each with its own personality and charm. They were mainly interested in eating - both grass and our cameras seemed tempting to them! When not chomping away, they were very curious about us and seemed to love being stroked and chatted to.
This one (below) had an interesting hair-do!
This one is called Theo, a laid-back character, skewbald with interesting markings:
Sometimes you've just got to scratch that itch!
Donkeys almost always have a cross on their backs, though it's much easier to see on the paler coloured animals. Scientists believe it is a primitive marking, like camouflage, that enabled the animals to stay hidden in the wilderness. Some Christians believe that the donkey is marked with a cross because it carried Jesus to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and /or that it stood, in sympathy, near Jesus at the crucifixion and the shadow of the cross fell on its back, a sign of the love of God for all to see.
Love is evident and abundant at The Donkey Sanctuary, which has many staff and volunteers who are clearly devoted to the animals. One lady we spoke to had worked there for 22 years. They showed us round and watched over both us and the donkeys as we photographed them, making sure no harm came to any of us. When I asked where the donkeys liked to be stroked or scratched, I was told they love having their ears gently massaged inside, so I tried that and the donkey clearly adored it! Who knew?
They look like such characters.
ReplyDeleteThey always seem to be such gentle creatures. What a fun day that must have been.
ReplyDeleteGood photos. I like donkeys a lot, in spite of all....had some for neighbors, and they were free ranging. They do not treat each other very well, when left to make their herd, and the jack who came after my horse mare was dealt a miserable kicked life, but never gave up. I suppose there could have been a mule as a result, but she was so old, I asked my neighbor to help keep him away. I like mules even better than horses or donkeys. My goodness, what a soliloquy your post has elicited. But I do like seeing them. They are lovely creatures. In their way. As we are too I suppose.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful creatures! Your photos do them justice.
ReplyDelete