I am always looking for and trying to think of new projects to explore with my film cameras. Last year, I visited a local Donkey Sanctuary, Wonkey Donkey, which got me thinking. Could I use my so-called ‘skills’ for good? That led to the theme, “Develop A Difference“

First things first, would they let me take photos of the donkeys for this project? It might mean getting a little closer than usual to the donkeys? You may not believe it, but I am not the most confident of people; I just force myself to get out there. I decided to wait until the weather was warming up and then wrote an email.

I got a response very quickly. It was a YES! We arranged some possible dates, and I bought some film in preparation. I decided to use both 35mm and 120 Ilford film. I started with XP2 in both formats and chose a couple of Contax SLRs and the Mamiya C2 for the 120.

I was met in the visitors centre by Jenny, who runs the sanctuary with the help of her family and some wonderful volunteers. She gave me a tour and introduced me to the four-legged residents. It was a lovely spring day, and the sun was blazing, making for some tricky lighting conditions. Lots of shadows and harsh light.

As we wandered, Jenny told me all about the history of the sanctuary and why it was started. She could talk about the donkeys until the…donkeys came home. Oh and she said they love having a scratch on their behind..hence the last photo in that set.

She explained that the Wonkey Donkey Visitors Centre rescues and rehabilitates ill and mistreated donkeys. They cater for any donkey that is brought to them and they aim to help as many donkeys as possible. They opened in August 2015 and have had the most incredible support since then. They have managed to rescue and rehabilitate 30 donkeys, all of which are still in their care. 

It hasn’t all been plain sailing, though, as they had an extremely difficult year in 2017. Two of Jenny’s aunties, who help run the sanctuary, were seriously injured in the Manchester Arena Terror Attack. They both sustained life-changing injuries. This resulted in the sanctuary having to be temporarily closed for a few months to allow the family to recover and come to terms with this horrific event.

Eventually, they did move forward and reopened, welcoming visitors every Saturday and Sunday. This was important as the sanctuary is self-funded, getting 100% of its funding from visitors. They cannot survive without them. Not only have they reopened, but they have big plans for the future.

They have started planning a new indoor therapy centre. That means in winter, donkey therapy can still happen. The centre offers donkey therapy for all sorts of people, such as those coming to the end of their lives and people with disabilities. During therapy, the visitors can interact, lie down with the donkeys and generally get close to them. There will be specially adapted areas and easy access ramps in a no-dust, bright environment. The indoor area will not only be more comfortable for people, but also for the donkeys. While researching this project, I learnt donkeys don’t have as much oil in their fur as horses, due to their original habitat being arid. This makes them less ‘waterproof’ and less tolerant of rainy conditions.

With this aim, they have set up a Go Fund me site. Click on the link below for more details.

I left after this as the sanctuary was starting to get busy, and I didn’t want to intrude. But I visited again two weeks later. The weather was duller and I switched film to HP5 and Delta 400. I still used to the Mamiya C2, but swapped to the Canon A1 for the 35mm.

As we wandered, I asked Jenny some questions: (I know the photo below is not a donkey, but they do rescue other animals too 🙂 )

Does she have a favourite donkey? Yes, Daisy. She came to the sanctuary in a group of 3 donkeys. Everyone said she was ugly, but I thought she was calm, plus she is white.

What time does a typical day start? 6am with giving special medications and feeding

What is your favourite part of the day? I don’t have a favourite part of the day, as I find all parts of the day fun. I do have a favourite part of the year, when the donkeys are out in the paddocks. They seem happier, they love sunbathing.

What is something people should know about Donkeys? They are not stubborn, they freeze when they are frightened. They are intelligent. And they are a forgotten part of the great wars. We hear about dogs and horses, but donkeys were used to carry loads and as ambulances – their sacrifice seems to have been forgotten.

I loved visiting the sanctuary again and getting close to the furry balls of fun. I used the photos you see on this website and others to make a zine. I have had 50 copies of the zine printed at no cost to the sanctuary. So 100% of the sale price will go directly to them. They will be available for sale in the sanctuary gift shop.

If you can’t visit the sanctuary in person, please think about donating towards their therapy centre.

Finally, why was this my first “Develop a Difference” project? For my mum, she loved horses. Even though she was disabled due to polio since the age of three, she learnt to ride. She had a real soft spot for donkeys too, and would have loved to have visited the sanctuary.