Heartwarming donkey rescues take centre stage in Yorkshire Vet special

The Donkey Sanctuary will be at the heart of Channel 5’s Yorkshire Vet Christmas special with ambassador Peter Wright appearing alongside Dame Judi Dench to tell moving stories about these incredible and often misunderstood animals.

The Donkey Sanctuary is central to the programme with a focus on the biggest rescue the charity has ever mounted, involving over 70 donkeys who were kept in appalling conditions in South Wales.

Peter Wright, star of the Channel 5 popular TV show, said: “I’ve been The Donkey Sanctuary’s ambassador for five years. In that role, it has been a privilege to see some of the donkeys that have been rescued and rehabilitated, particularly donkeys that have suffered the most appalling treatment.

“The Donkey Sanctuary helps restore these animals’ trust in human beings and to see the donkeys thrive after receiving the veterinary care, love and attention they deserve is a joy to behold.”

On a cold winter’s day in February 2021, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, more than 70 donkeys, all with varying welfare concerns, were discovered living on a farm in Wales as part of a multi-agency investigation.

Some donkeys had horrendously overgrown and diseased hooves. One was discovered in a dingy barn rocking laterally on her feet due to severe overgrowth. Many were in desperate need of veterinary attention and stood on dirty bedding, blackened by filth and excrement.

The TV show features the onward journeys of some of the rescued donkeys, with heartfelt scenes as viewers see how dedicated staff at The Donkey Sanctuary have transformed their lives and what their future now holds.

There is a sequence at The Donkey Sanctuary’s specialist donkey hospital, where veterinarian Jamie Forrest performs a much-needed operation on one of the resident donkeys.

Peter also meets Ben Hart, senior behaviour lead at The Donkey Sanctuary, who has been working with Peanut and Maverick, a couple of miniature donkeys born to mothers who were pregnant when rescued in Wales, and who have just joined the adoption scheme.

Ben said: “With our help these donkeys who may never forget their past trauma can at least go on to have the good welfare and happy lives every donkey deserves.”

All of this work is, of course, made possible by the incredible generosity of The Donkey Sanctuary’s supporters and those who can offer donkeys a forever home as part of The Donkey Sanctuary’s rehoming scheme.

To see these and other stories unfold, and to join the donkeys featured on their journey to a brighter future, tune in on Tuesday, December 17 at 8pm on Channel 5.