TWO delightful donkeys enchanted most of the pupils of Yeoford Primary School when they dropped in just before half term.

The names of the 14 year-olds were Bramble and Jasper. Both were from The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth on part of a national programme of schools visits, escorted by their grooms and Carl Wholey, National Schools Programme Co-ordinator.

It was a busy day for the two donkeys, having spent part of the morning at an Exeter primary school, then Yeoford and on to Newton St Cyres Primary School in the afternoon.

Carl said they were making about 30 visits to various mainstream schools around the country including Wellington, Taunton, Chard and other schools in Exeter or as far away as Leeds.

“We have found schools where people have gone in to talk about animals but not taken any with them. It is important for children to be able to meet the animals. But we’ve also found more and more schools have animals.

“We go to a number of the bigger shows as well including Devon County,” said Carl. “People and schools can foster donkeys if they have enough land and shelter. Advisors will visit before an animal is allocated,” he added.

As well as caring for the donkeys, schools can learn about conservation, the needs of animals, stable management and shelter building.

The Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth was founded as a charity in 1969 by the late Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE. During the past 40 years it has given lifelong care in the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe to more than 16,500 donkeys and mules in need.

The oldest ever donkey at the Sanctuary was 57, last year one had its 50th birthday, and most live for at least 35 years.

The charity works in 27 countries helping donkeys in desperate conditions and there are Donkey Assisted Therapy Centres, offering riding therapy for children with additional needs, which have a huge positive impact.

To know more check the website. Schools wishing for more information should contact Carl Wholey on 01395 573039 or email: [email protected] .

Sue Read