Royal foal celebrates first birthday at The Donkey Sanctuary

Sweet Pea, the donkey named by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, during a visit to The Donkey Sanctuary’s international headquarters in Sidmouth, Devon, last year has celebrated her first birthday.

A year ago today (Friday 17 July), The Duchess, visited the Sidmouth based charity to commemorate its 50th anniversary year. Now grooms at the animal welfare charity have shared some new pictures of Sweet Pea and revealed that she has formed a special friendship with another foal named Sam, who was orphaned at birth.

Sweet Pea and Sam are of a similar age and temperament, and the two young donkeys bonded almost instantly when they were introduced in early June. Lisa Coles, one of Sweet Pea’s Groom’s at The Donkey Sanctuary said: “It was so sweet because never having been in such close proximity to other donkeys before, the usually confident Sweet Pea became slightly coy around Sam, peeping out from behind her mum to check him out!”

Liza Macmaster, Farm Supervisor, The Donkey Sanctuary said: “Sweet Pea has been a delight to look after from day one. She has a warm personality and always enjoys extra, loving cuddles and scratches. She also enjoys being around people and is a firm favourite with the grooms.”

Sweet Pea’s mum, Poppy, was in foal when she was relinquished to The Donkey Sanctuary after her owner could no longer care for her. Ever since she was born, on the summer solstice  (21 June) last year, Sweet Pea has been the darling of the herd at the charity’s Paccombe Farm* site near Sidford. 

Sam came into The Donkey Sanctuary’s care in December 2018, after being orphaned at birth. In the company of Sweet Pea he has grown into himself and become a dependable companion,  encouraging her to play with wellies and toys, which she was previously reluctant to do. Staff at The Donkey Sanctuary use wellies, toys and foraging for food as enrichment activities to ensure the mental and physical well-being of the donkeys.

Ultimately, the pair are ideal candidates for the charity’s Rehoming scheme due to their calm, friendly nature. But they are still very young and will require further training. So, for now, they will continue to thrive in the dedicated and professional care of The Donkey Sanctuary.

The Donkey Sanctuary is a global leader for equine welfare, research and veterinary care. The charity operates programmes worldwide for animals working in agriculture, industry and transportation.