New infrastructure, same donkeys to highlight Seniors’ Day at local donkey sanctuary

Two white coloured donkeys stroll through a bright, sunny field with green grass and a wooden fence.
A local donkey sanctuary is holding a day just for seniors. Photo via Donkey Sanctuary of Canada Website.
Riley Gillespie-Wilson - CICW - FergusON | 22-08-2023
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Tomorrow will mark Seniors' Day at a local livestock sanctuary. The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada in Puslinch will be holding the open day designed to make meeting the donkeys more accessible for older guests.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., seniors will be able to chat with staff and volunteers while meeting the 100-plus donkeys and mules at the sanctuary. Communications Lead Dale Gellatly says while the schedule of events is similar to years past, there is much to see for seniors this year.

"We have a big new training centre that's been added in the past year and the donkey house has been pretty much doubled in size," Gellatly said.

"So, there are a few new buildings. The actual day when people can come and visit with the donkeys, not much has changed in that regard. They'll still be able to see their favourite donkeys. This is the first year that the new facilities have been there," she added.

Gellatly and the team at the sanctuary "rescues and rehabilitates donkeys, mules and hinnies who have been neglected, abused or otherwise need sanctuary," according to their website. They also "provide resources and education to the public and the equine world about the unique traits and needs of donkeys and donkey-hybrids."

Gellatly says the bond between humans and donkeys is very therapeutic.

"One of the things that people notice about donkeys is that they're very gentle, and they have a really calming sort of presence," Gellatly stated.

"When people are with them, just because they are so calm, people are able to connect with them in that way. I very often find that people that they feel calmer just being around them," she continued.

"It's really beneficial, especially for seniors," she wrapped up.

It's $15 for seniors and $20 for anyone attending with a senior. All funds will stay within the organization and aid in the care of the animals.

For more details, go to thedonkeysanctuary.ca.

Listen to the CICW story below: