New Arrival - Banjo Donkey

Sweet Banjo joined the Sanctuary’s little donkey herd at the end of spring. He came all the way from Wickepin, after his owner received some worrying health news. While a little reluctant to step up into the float, some gentle coaxing soon saw him on his way to the Valley to meet new friends. 

 

Banjo befriended Spud within an hour of exploring his new home, and the two chocolate coloured partners in crime nap, snack and play together each day! 

 Welcome Banjo it’s lovely to have you here!

 

 

Rest in Peace Victoria Donkey

In early June, we said goodbye to the equine matriarch of the Valley, sweet Victoria donkey. 

After nine years in the Valley, Vic passed peacefully in her shelter with her donkey love, Albert, close by her side. 

Vic was an elderly girl, in her mid-thirties, and had been trotting happily into her autumn years. 

She was polite and gentle and was the leader of the Valley’s little donkey herd. 

As she grew older, Vic needed special attention from her veterinarians and farrier, and she was always cooperative and friendly during her checks and treatments. 

Vic loved sunshine, carrots and brushes, but her greatest love was her lifelong partner, Albert. While our hearts are saddened from Victoria’s loss, we are comforted that she had a long, happy life, surrounded by donkey friends. We are ensuring her herd, especially Albert, are getting lots of TLC while they grieve the passing of Victoria after all these years. 

Rest well Victoria - such a special little donkey with the biggest of hearts - you will always live on in ours.

New Arrival at PVAS - Duffy the Donkey

In late June we welcomed beautiful big Duffy the Donkey! Standing at 12.2 hands, Duffy is a huge wild born donkey from the north west of WA, who found himself rounded up with the cattle he had befriended on a station. He was sadly ear tagged and marked, before being transported with his bovine friends to the sale yards.

Fortunately Duffy was seen at the yards by a kind couple, who took him home and cared for him for over nine years. A change in circumstance led Duffy to another loving home, where he was further trained and given lots of love and attention, before making his way to the Sanctuary to join new donkey friends, Albert, Victoria and Spud.

 

Duffy may be big, but he is very quiet and gentle, loving nothing more than a back scratch or brush.  

Duffy loves company and follows the volunteers as they work! 

 Welcome to PVAS Duffy!

Donkey Adventures

By Chris R. 

With the summer weather comes strong easterly winds, which hit the Valley hard each night. The wind brings with it characteristic heat waves and sometimes, damage. 

Last night, the gusting breeze took down an elderly jarrah tree from a neighbouring property. A portion of the donkey fence went down with it, and two of the three curious equines which call the south paddock home decided to take an adventure before sunrise. 

Heading north along the brook line, Victoria and Albert left behind a very confused Spud, who returned to the feed shelter, looking for someone to tell of their disappearance. 

A knock on the door from a neighbouring orchardist confirmed that the donkey duo were in search of apples (or so we believe).  

With halters and lucerne in hand, it wasn’t long until the pair were back home, telling Spud of their early morning escapades. Chainsaws buzzed in the background, freeing the fence of its leafy burden and providing some tasty fodder for the goats and possums for the day.

We are appreciative of our helpful neighbour and pleased to have the curious donks home safely!

Winter in the Valley

By Chris R.

The Valley had only a little summer and autumn rain this year, so winter has been a long awaited event. The rainwater tanks were dry for many months and the local waterbirds struggled to swim in the dam. Without rain and with a low dam level, both the animals and humans of PVAS rely on bore water which is slowly pumped into large tanks.  

Vera goat sits on the dam wall, overlooking dark clouds rolling in

The first rains came with storms in late May. The Valley received over 70mm of rain. Dust turned to mud within hours and the animals took cover from the heavy downpours. 

In just two days a green cover could be seen throughout the paddocks and the animals enjoyed grazing on the tiny blades of grass as they erupted from the mud.  

The flock having hoof trims in readiness for winter

The excitement of rain can bring Sanctuary challenges. With the ground sodden, Spud the Donkey developed a painful abscess on his foot, requiring a visit from Dr Jill.



A poultice dressing and pain relief soon had our donkey friend feeling better and reminded us to be vigilant of all the hooved residents who may encounter the same issue. 

Baby April and Peter rest inside in the warm as the stormy weather arrives in the Valley

 

The sheep and goat families had foot checks and hoof trims, ensuring they were also ready for the damp conditions. 

Leaks in enclosures were identified and extra clothes lines hung to cope with increasing lamb laundry.

The red berries of the Hawthorn adorn the bare branches

The Valley's winter weather is accompanied by incredible sunrises and rainbows. Spectacular skies are a highlight of early morning feed times. The deciduous trees stand naked, allowing sunshine to reach the ground below and warming resting animal residents. 

We hope that animals everywhere keep warm and safe this season and that winter is a kind one for all. 

Jessie the goose tucks into her straw nest on cold nights

PVAS Visit the Donkey Society of WA

By Chris R.  

On Sunday the 17^th of April,  Albert and Victoria enjoyed their first Donkey Society of WA event at Wandi Equestrian Centre. 

We joined the Donkey Society shortly after Al and Vic came to the Valley to learn more about their care and handling. We were excited to see that various events for the donkeys were offered. Their first outing was a gymkhana, a morning where different activities were undertaken to improve handling skills and give the donkeys some play time.

 We do not ride Albert and Victoria, but they learned many other skills on the day, including working on their float skills. A fuss free float entry and exit is essential for vet visits and at worst, a fire evacuation.

 

 In addition to training and play exercises, Albert and Victoria benefited from the experience of Donkey Society members, who checked their hooves and condition, assisted with leading commands and shared some excellent tips, as donkeys are indeed very different to horses in their temperament and care.

 We are looking forward to our next donkey excursion and thank the members of the Society for their warm welcome of Albert and Victoria, and us, as we all had a lovely day.