@the-dsc.bsky.social
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is a not-for-profit registered charity. Our mission is to provide a lifelong home to donkeys, mules and hinnies that are unwanted, neglected or abused and we promote the responsible stewardship of all animals.
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/
Our truck has travelled thousands of kilometres to help donkeys in need.
It’s brought approx 90% of the donkeys and mules who now call the Sanctuary home safely through our gates.
But after years of hard work, it’s time for a replacement.
You can help!
www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/driving-for-...
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!
09.02.2026 18:08 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
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.
02.02.2026 17:06 — 👍 5 🔁 0 💬 1 📌 0
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.
27.01.2026 15:55 — 👍 2 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
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.
26.01.2026 15:02 — 👍 3 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
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.
We’re excited for the GCVI Concert Jan 23 in support of the DSC!
Music from Alanis Morissette’s 'Jagged Little Pill' at the GCVI Auditorium, 155 Paisley St., Guelph and it's all in support of donkeys in need.
Admission is pay-what-you-can, with all proceeds going directly to the Sanctuary.
Abby and Burrito were extra cozy at night check, happily settling into some fresh straw.
Fresh straw, good friends, and a peaceful night is just the way it should be!
Correction to date: Fri, Feb 6! Also, not that these are EST times.
10.01.2026 15:37 — 👍 0 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Speaking with Donkeys, a free webinar about understanding donkey body language and behavior. We’ll explore how donkeys communicate and how to build trust.
Free to attend
Same webinar, multiple dates
• Fri, Feb 5 at 2:00 pm
• Mon, Feb 9 at 2:00 pm
• Tue, Feb 17 at 6:00 pm
• Wed, Feb 25 at 6:00 pm
Wishing a warm and peaceful Orthodox Christmas to everyone celebrating today. 🤍
From all of us at the DSC, we hope your day is filled with kindness, reflection, and a little extra comfort. May the season bring peace, hope, and gentle moments to you and your families.
On New Year’s Day, we celebrated two very special donkeys: Phoenix and Aiden.
Phoenix came to us after she was taken from the wild in 2023.
Aiden arrived at the Sanctuary in 2024 just days old. One shared New Year’s Day with so much to celebrate! Happy Birthday, Phoenix and Aiden!
Sugar is starting a new chapter!
Sugar came to the DSC in 2015 with her mom Minnie. After losing her mom earlier this year, Sugar has shown great resilience and she’s now settled at a DSC Host Farm, where she’ll be a companion to a mini jenny in need of a friend. We’re so happy for them both!
Snow day fun, donkey-style
Our animal care staff got a little creative today and built a snowman right in the mini geldings’ paddock as a bit of enrichment. Let's just say it definitely got some attention! A whole lot of curiosity made for a pretty fun winter moment!
On Festivus, we're here with Gerry and Flint, celebrating the little things that bring us joy!
Festivus is known for its airing of grievances, but Gerry is happy to leave the past behind.
And Flint with his feisty personality brings a spark of spirited Festivus energy all his own!
Happy Festivus!
It’s National Cookie Exchange Day, and Pippin definitely approves of treats made just for horses and donkeys!
A big, heartfelt thank-you to Foxwood Farms, Bradford, Ontario
for donating funds to the DSC from the sales of their equine cookies, made especially for horses and donkeys!
It’s National Maple Syrup Day, and we couldn’t resist shining the spotlight on our very own Maple!
Since arriving at the DSC in March 2025, Maple has shown us just how sweet she is (fitting name, right?).
Happy Maple Syrup Day from Maple — no tapping required
So grateful to The Braytones for sharing their wonderful voices at our final Holiday Open Day of the year!
Your music added such a warm, festive feeling to the day and brought smiles to visitors, volunteers, and even a few donkeys.
Thank you for helping us end the season on such a joyful note!
International Animal Rights Day, December 10th, is a powerful reminder that every animal deserves safety, dignity, and compassion.
Today, we reaffirm our commitment to caring for them, and sharing their stories so more people can understand just how incredible they truly are.
#IntlAnimalRightsDay
Happy December Birthdays to Pippin, Heather, and Josh!
We’re celebrating three wonderful donkeys this month, and we hope you’ll join us in sending them all the warm birthday wishes they deserve!
Each of these donkeys brings so much joy to the sanctuary!
Special Open Day this Sunday, December 14! This event is fully sold out, and only guests with confirmed tickets and Annual Passholders will be admitted. Walk-in tickets will NOT be available. The Braytones choir will begin singing in the Learning Centre at 4:00pm, finishing around 4:30–4:45pm.
08.12.2025 17:04 — 👍 1 🔁 0 💬 0 📌 0
Happy International Volunteer Day!
To everyone who gives their time and heart to the donkeys: thank you. We couldn’t do this work without you, and we’re grateful for you every single day.
#InternationalVolunteerDay #DonkeySanctuaryOfCanada #ThankYouVolunteers
Our Second Virtual Learning Centre Video Is Here!
Packed full of info and the donkeys were absolute stars, standing so patiently for the body condition score demonstration. (You may spot one of your favourite donkeys!)
youtu.be/19DAFSz06sk?...
#DonkeySanctuary #VirtualLearningCentre #animalcare
