Welcome to the
Donkey and Mule Protection Trust
Improving the lives of donkeys and mules in New Zealand
Our aim is to provide information, advice, support, education, rehabilitation and rehoming for donkeys and mules across New Zealand
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Role of the Trust
Rescue and Rehabilitation
This is when the animal is uplifted and, either temporarily or for the long term, is in the care of a guardian.
Donkeys and mules may be relinquished into the care of the Trust when an owner can no longer care for their animal and wants to ensure it goes to a good home. They are uplifted by the Trust and put into the care of a guardian.
The Trust raises money to support this work by providing funds for transport, farriers, dental work, gelding and any other costs associated with the rehabilitation of the donkey.
This is where most of your donations go.
There are several levels of outcomes for the donkeys/mules:
Rehome Youngsters
A youngster with no obvious problems can be rehomed.
Rehome mature animals
Mature and well behaved with no obvious problems can be rehabilitated and rehomed.
Suitable for rehoming with knowledgeable home only
Some health problems, but possible to be placed in a suitable and knowledgeable home.
Sponsorship
In some cases, the animal due to health or behavioural issues may remain at the rehoming centre for the long term and the Trust will seek sponsorship from supporters to cover the main costs of caring for the animal. This is a recent initiative and has been very successful.
Under no circumstances to be rehomed
Severe problems because of severe health problems or dangerous. In these cases the rehoming centre may have to make the decision to euthanise the animal.
All illustrations are the work of Pauline Sainsbury, Mamaku Donkey RRC & Sanctuary
It doesn’t stop there…
Care and Support
Information and Advice
The Trust also has a role in educating owners and potential owners of their responsibilities when owning donkeys/mules. Raising awareness of the unique nature of donkeys and mules is a critical part of what we do to minimise the risk of more animals needing care through ignorance or neglect.
Support and Education
We support current owners to extend their knowledge, and ensure that they know the essentials of caring for a donkey or mule.
Continuing rehabilitation with owner
Where the neglect of a donkey or mule has occurred through ignorance, and is not wilful, and the person in charge of the animal can give a good home to the animal with support and education, a volunteer will visit on a regular basis to assist and check.
The animal should be able to lead and tie up. Fencing should be safe and secure; there must be shelter, feet regularly trimmed. We will introduce the person to a recommended farrier to ensure the feet are trimmed regularly. The owner should be able to recognise when the donkey or mule is ill.
Trust Cards
Buy our Cards!
Our beautiful sets of full colour greeting cards are now available for purchase. Printed on premium linen card, these A6-sized cards are blank inside and can be used for any occasion.
Proceeds go to support the Trust’s efforts of care and rehabilitation for donkeys and mules around NZ.
My name is Weatherby and I am wondering why you won't just give me my dinner instead of taking my photo. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
Fair comment Weatherby ! But I love seeing your photos. He's looking really good Pauline. He's a very handsome donkey. Thank you for sharing. Hope you & Bennie and all the donkeys are well xx
Weatherby you are sooooo handsome! 😍🫏
Patience Weatherby, patience!
Weatherby you are gorgeous
Good morning to you all from the handsome Chester who is one of our sponsored donkeys. He lives in Rotorua at the Mamaku Donkey Sanctuary.
donkeymuletrust.org.nz/donkeys-to-sponsor/ ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook
MUAH 💋 Safe and loved: Rescue is best breed! Shared ~ Ariane
Good morning Chester ❤️
Donkeys mooching around on cool spring evening waiting for dinner. Life is all about food and your mates. ... See MoreSee Less
Comment on Facebook