© The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary

Based in Penryn, Cornwall; The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary provides much needed care for elderly, abandoned and sick animals. While its name reflects that it takes in mostly donkeys, the sanctuary has also looked after various other animals too. Ponies, horses, pigs, sheep, cows, dogs, cats, rabbits and other small animals have all been given refuge by Flicka since it opened in 1995. More than 1,000 animals have been given rehabilitation and sanctuary there in the past 26 years, thanks to the love and foresight of founder Mary Berryman.   Sanctuary's origins Animal-lover Mary was Flicka's founder and chairman, who started the sanctuary to take in golden oldies. Then, a small strawberry roan pony named Flicka was found abandoned on an industrial estate - Mary took him in. A very affectionate sole, he adored people and thrived on the attention he received. As a popular addition to the sanctuary, he helped teach young children to ride, before he retired to enjoy safety at the sanctuary for the rest of his days. Sadly, he was diagnosed with cancer, which took his life during his happy retirement. Flicka's arrival at the sanctuary had highlighted the problems for equines of all ages who fell ill, or who were abandoned by heartless owners when they could no longer work. The Flicka Foundation celebrates his legacy and continues to rescue donkeys of all ages from situations of neglect, abuse and abandonment. Mary worked tirelessly all her life to ensure all the rescued animals had the best life possible. Tragically, she lost her battle with cancer in 2008. Even when seriously ill, she still carried on her relentless work for the charity.   Today's equine residents Today, around 100 donkeys and horses are cared for at Flicka, located near the small village of Mabe. The Foundation has recently celebrated its silver jubilee anniversary and Mary's legacy of rescue, rehabilitation, and sanctuary care. All the resident donkeys have their own story - and sadly, some of them have lived a terrible life. Many of the donkeys were rescued from animal markets in the UK. Elderly and sick donkeys are bought cheap by dealers from Europe and sadly end up on the meat market. © The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary Others were unlicensed beach donkeys and abandoned pets that their owners grew tired of. Some donkeys have been used for intensive breeding by their unscrupulous owners, until they are too old to produce any more babies; at which point, they are abandoned. Thankfully, their previously miserable lives have been transformed by the sanctuary, where they can live out their days in safety in an ideal environment. They munch their way through 14,000 bales of hay and straw a year and produce 600 tonnes of manure! It costs more than £100,000 a year to feed and care for the resident rescues.   Unusual donkey species Well-looked-after donkeys can live into their 50s - there are quite a few in their 40s at the Flicka Foundation. Some are rare breeds, including one Baudet du Poitou donkey. Bertie is a large French breed created by breeding a male donkey with a Poitevin horse mare. There are also a number of miniature donkeys, a cute breed that originated in Sicily and Sardinia. There is even a shy mule, called Diva - the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse. The Flicka Foundation is currently running the “Lonely and Primrose” hospital appeal. While volunteers carry out plenty of fundraising ideas such as coffee mornings, sponsored walks, raffles, open days, fun runs, concerts and even an abseil; this is a special appeal that needs extra public support.   Equine hospital plans The Foundation needs to raise £300,000 for a purpose-built equine hospital. It is a particularly tough time for Flicka, as they have had to close their doors for most of the past year due to the coronavirus pandemic. This has put a huge strain on their finances. © The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary The hospital will provide the equine residents with the highest quality of care. Determined to realise this dream, despite the hardships of the past year; organisers of the fundraiser are appealing to people to donate, as the donkeys have suffered terribly before arriving at the sanctuary - they need the best possible care. Most of the rescued donkeys arrive in extremely poor condition, requiring emergency veterinary treatment and extensive ongoing care. Currently, the donkeys are treated in a barn or have to be transported to an equine vet, which can be stressful. An onsite animal hospital would make an incredible difference to their lives; allowing the Flicka Foundation to carry out veterinary procedures in an appropriate, sterile and safe environment. This would also help to reduce stress for the sick donkeys. The animal hospital would provide a quiet, calm recovery environment; vital monitoring; and intensive care facilities. It would also be a valuable resource for veterinary and equine education. Mary's daughter Judy Giles and Laurie Stephenson are directors of the charity today and spearhead the fundraising efforts. The sanctuary also provides therapy sessions with donkeys, with participants getting close to a donkey and winning its trust and affection, which can be very therapeutic. If you can help with the equine hospital fundraising target in any way, please contact the Flicka Foundation at [email protected] or telephone 01326 373601. Thank you!