A donkey rescued from “unimaginable conditions” and taken in by The Donkey Sanctuary is thriving following the removal of her eye, and is now looking for her forever home.
Seven-year-old Primrose was one of more than 70 donkeys rescued as part of Operation Dawn, The Donkey Sanctuary’s largest and most complex rescue to date.
Four years on from her rescue, Primrose has undergone a complete rehabilitation, including the recent removal of one of her eyes due to chronic recurring optic issues.
Primrose has coped “amazingly well” according to the charity’s Rehoming Centre Supervisor Josie Blaber.
“Primrose became quite depressed with her poorly eye,” she said. “The constant, painful ulcers she had to endure were very draining.
“Our Veterinary team thought it would be in her best interests to remove the affected eye to improve her quality of life.
“Since having the eye removed, Primrose has bounced back to her normal happy self. It hasn’t set her back at all and she has coped very well indeed.”
When Primrose arrived at The Donkey Sanctuary in 2021, the team discovered she was in foal.
Three months later, Jonny arrived, and she and her foal were moved to one of the charity’s other sanctuaries when he was seven months old.
“She has been a great mum to Jonny,” Josie added. “She also played the role of auntie to another foal called Pickle, who had to be weaned early.
“Pickle’s mum had a nasty sarcoid on her udder and feeding was becoming very painful for her, so the decision was made in the best interests of both mum and foal to wean Pickle early.
“We felt that due to Primrose’s kind temperament, and her foal Jonny being of a similar age, this might be the best option, so Pickle felt looked after and so he could have a playmate.
“Pickle moved to our sanctuary to join the pair and it worked out perfectly; Primrose accepted the little foal and Jonny and Pickle bonded instantly and remain the best of friends.
“The two boys now live at our Donkey Assisted Activities centre in Sidmouth.”
Primrose is now eligible for rehoming and the team are now searching for a new family for her to share her life with.
“Primrose is a quiet and sweet donkey,” Josie said. “She loves people and will always approach for some fuss.
“She also loves running around the fields with her friends and stripping the bark off of willow branches. She is a firm farm favourite!”
To find out more about rehoming a donkey through The Donkey Sanctuary, click here.
Lead image by The Donkey Sanctuary
