Behind every animal is a human who loves them.
Learn about the many different relationships between animals and humans and find out things you never knew.
Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary: Fifteen Years of Rescuing Donkeys from Cruelty.
For many animal lovers, their extent of kindness and care towards creatures only goes as far as adopting a rescue dog or cat. However Tracy Garten from Alford, Lincolnshire, has really gone above and beyond caring for animals who need it most.
Founded fifteen years ago, Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary has taken in over 40 abused, neglected and unwanted equines. From starting off as a rescue mission in her back garden, Tracy now dedicates 28 acres of lush pastures and cosy stables to these donkeys.
Tracy said: “It all began when I saw a mule being mistreated by gypsies. I simply couldn’t stand such a humble creature to be treated so badly. I didn’t have much money, but I managed to borrow £250 from relatives and my mission to save donkeys has grown from there.”
Tracy eventually gathered enough money to buy her own plot of land in Huttoft, Lincolnshire to be the new home for the donkeys. She then began to arrange annual open days and fundraisers to help pay for these expensive animals’ upkeep. During these events, thousands of people would turn up to help raise money and awareness- even celebrities!
Tracy said: “Sir Anthony Hopkins regularly donated items of clothing he had worn in films and even The Queen Mother donated gifts of bone china and travel rugs. The fact that such worldly people want to be part of this cause shows how much it’s needed in my opinion. “
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By Imogen Bavinton
Tracy stood with Zac the donkey, one of the residents at Radcliffe.
Yo-yo, another resident stood in one of the pastures at Radcliffe.
Although Tracy loves and cares for all her donkeys equally, there will always be one donkey who holds a special place in her heart. Her first ever donkey, Linda who was rescued from a life of neglect on Skegness beach.
Tracy explained: “Linda was overworked and used for donkey rides on Skegness beach all summer long. During the winter months, I used to loan Linda and look after her as she wasn’t needed on the beach. Her back had become so dipped from carrying weight too heavy for her and had damaged stomach muscles from this too.”
“I desperately wanted to buy her as it broke my heart seeing her go off each summer to more abuse. I tried many times to offer her owners money for her but as she had such a kind and gentle nature, she was an asset they couldn’t afford to lose.”
“Finally, I saved up enough money to buy Linda and she now lives happily at the sanctuary enjoying the rest of her days. She’ll always be my special favourite though as she was the first donkey to come to Radcliffe.”
Although Tracy remembers the years before the sanctuary, when she had new clothes, holidays and free time, she still would not go back and has no regrets for starting up the sanctuary all those years ago.
She said: “What I have now is complete fulfilment. It may be straining, both financially and physically but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love all my donkeys and I hope in return they maybe love me too for what I’ve done for them.”
If you’d like to learn more about how you can donate or visit Radcliffe Donkey Sanctuary please visit either their website or Facebook.
Louis taking a stroll in one of the paddocks at the sanctuary.
