5 Reasons to Love the Donkey Sanctuary
The Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary is a place we visit in many of our afternoons. I wanted to write about it to share our enjoyment- especially as it's expanded since our last visit!
It might only be a ten minute trip down the road from us, but there are so many more reasons why we love it there. In particular, it's an ideal place for our Tot! Here's our top 5 reasons why:
1. Firstly, there are over 90 donkeys and lots of gorgeous Shetland ponies too! Our Tot loves to watch these animals, and we love that there are so many to see. The donkeys are often up at the fences to nod "Hello" every time we visit! We are never disappointed, and Tot and Little Babe are always in awe.
2. The Name Game. In the holiday season there's a sheet you can pick up at the entrance which gives you names and info about the donkeys. Because our littlies are both under two, I don't usually do this bit yet, but instead we go around and I read the names on each donkey's 'collar.' On our most recent visit, we took a particular liking to Oliver- he was having a good scratch against the fence, and then poked his head through- much to Tot's delight! I especially enjoy, now that Tot copies much of my speech, her attempts at the names: "Olivoos" (Oliver) "Dinan" (Dillon) and "Fosdee" (Frosty) to name just three!
3. OK, so it wasn't the first place that our toddler walked, but it was one of the places we often took her when she first started walking. This is because the layout of sanctuary means that there are walkways through the fields that are relatively flat, straight and safe. Ideal for little toddlers legs to master walking skills (whilst waving at donkeys on the way!)
I’m pretty sure our Tot inadvertently learnt to ‘do a runner’ at the Donkey Sanctuary (which is more fool me, now....!) as it's one of the only places we can go where I personally feel comfortable letting her have a little run ahead of us- because she can't go anywhere!!
4. There's a lovely cafe on site and we always make the effort to stop for a hot drink. I say effort, it's not an effort at all! Our Tot had her first sip of hot chocolate when we went during the winter months- we'll have to do the same for Little Babe when she's old enough, too (a new family tradition?!?)
5. And finally- but quite importantly- it was the first place our toddler ever donated to a charity (yes...she put the coins in!) The attraction is funded by donations and run by volunteers. Entrance is free, but of course lovely places like this wouldn't be there without people popping pounds or pennies in the donation boxes etc. As she grows older, I also think it'll be a lovely example to use to teach her about charity. Every time we go, the donkeys look so well cared-for: we can see our donations are being used wisely. The volunteer staff are always visibly tending (and talking!!) to the animals, which I think is a clear sign of the friendly, caring sanctuary that this is!
Overall, we always have a lovely afternoon at the Sanctuary. We find it simple, yet splendid! We've made some sweet little memories during our donkey visits...and I am pretty sure there'll be plenty more to come, too...!
