Jessica and Little Nel:
JESSICA
Jessica was found in March 2007 by a couple who had recently moved to Ireland from the UK. She was standing near to the carcass of her dead donkey friend who had apparently died at least a week earlier and it was only her brays of distress that made her presence known.
Her grossly overlong hooves, which measured 16 inches (40.5 cms), made it extremely difficult for her to walk. On behalf of her elderly owner, the couple took on the responsibility of looking after Jessica.
When he died early in 2008 the couple were asked by the family to assume ownership but remove Jessica from their land. As they had no facilities themselves they asked if Jessica could join us at the Sai Sanctuary, where they visit her regularly and contribute towards her upkeep.
Jessica is classed as a Grade 5 laminitic, which means the bones in her front feet are fully rotated and sinking due to long term neglect and incorrect (or lack of) trimming. At nearly 30 years old we all understand she is on borrowed time and will all pull together to ensure her last years are as happy and comfortable as possible.
(left and above) Here she is now ~ a very different donkey!
LITTLE NEL 
This stoic little 30 year old donkey mare was relinquished to us in a depressed state during August 2008, shortly after her last foal had been been sold.
She is a chronic laminitic though on arrival it was apparent that a huge swelling on her left shoulder was causing at least some of the lameness. The swelling formed a huge abcess which burst to reveal a wound the size of the palm of a hand.
Although it must have been incredibly painful Little Nel tolerated weeks of patient cleaning and washing out of the wound and never once went to kick or bite her nurses!
It is thought she may have been attacked by a neighbour’s stallion who broke loose from his field in the owner’s absence and if so, we pray she is not in foal again.
Although it would be delightful to have a playful youngster about the place, there are already far too many unwanted donkeys in the country, and Little Nel’s 30 years are possibly against her carrying another foal with ease.
