Thanks to your donations, rescue donkeys on the Isle of Wight are benefitting from a brand new triple shelter.

The Trust awarded £10,000 to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary last year for their Field Shelter project.

Now fully up and running, the new shelter means their rescue donkeys, ponies and mules can use the charity’s Whiteley Bank Paddock throughout late summer/winter.

“The paddock is located on the furthest western point of our sanctuary’s land, making it a perfect location to quarantine new arrivals,” explains Abi Millichamp, the charity’s Fundraising Coordinator. “These animals need to be isolated and assessed on their health and temperament, before being integrated into our existing herds.”

Among the first donkeys to try out this new accommodation were Paddy and Murphy.

“In the tranquil and private Whitely Bank Paddock, with brand new comfortable field shelters, rescue donkeys Paddy and Murphy settled into sanctuary life,” says Millichamp. “They have now joined our Fresh Air Donkeys herd after benefiting from the private grazing space at Whitely Bank Paddock upon arrival.”

“Now we can react quickly to requests to provide a new home”

The shelters and paddock are currently in use by two new residents; Lavender and Evie, a mother donkey, and her daughter, who arrived at the sanctuary in January 2025.

“They are being cared for by our team before they can join our existing herds,” explains Millichamp. “We are expecting 6 new arrivals next week. They will likely be cared for in Whiteley Bank Paddock whilst we assess their conditions and give them the care they need before joining our other animals.

“The addition of a triple shelter has been a wonderful benefit to our sanctuary. It improves the experience for our animals and team. It also allows us to react quickly to requests to provide a home for more animals in need. We know we have a safe and sheltered space ready for their arrival.

“We cannot Petplan Charitable Trust enough for your generosity and kindness.”

Since 1994, the Trust has awarded over £16 million to charities like the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary to help improve the lives of rescue donkeys, equines and companion animals. Please support us if you can, either by opting in when you renew your Petplan policy or donating now.

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