Friendly face at the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

Donkeys do not understand pack hierarchies. That’s why they often don’t do well in horse herds, which are dependent on a dominant leader. But that doesn’t stop them from occasionally getting friendly.

It might, however, stop them from integrating into other equine herds, and that’s something not a lot of people understand. So, many donkeys end up finding their way to the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada in Puslinch, near Guelph, Ontario.

Unwanted or abandon donkeys need a place to go too, and horse farms don’t always know how to care for them. Their diet, despite appearances, is different from other hoofed kin and not everyone knows that. Donkey diet and care is something those at the sanctuary have perfected over time.

The not-for-profit facility is primarily a caring facility for these animals saved from undesirable situations, or surrounded by people no longer able to look after them. But from May to October, on Sundays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 4 pm, the general public is welcome to come learn, explore, and pet, groom and interact with this charming animals. Many, like Abby a white Pinto, poke their necks between clusters of people vying for attention.

Picnic tables are available (if you bring your own lunch) and walking trails line the property. Admission during these days is by donation.

Grazing at the Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

(See photos and info about more donkeys here).

Read more about a similar experience in Toronto.