Late in 2005, Donkey Shelter rescued eight feral mules from the
knackery. (Mules are the offspring of a donkey father and a
horse mother.) They had been born in the bush and so were completely
wild and unhandled. Their introduction to humans was a terrifying one
when they were caught and transported to the knackery. We are now in
the process of training them so they get used to
being handled and can live a happy and safe life at Donkey Shelter.
Donkey Shelter has never rescued mules before, so the last few months
have been very much like feeling our way in the dark in a strange
room, particularily as these mules were born in the wild and so are
unpredictable and absolutely terrified of humans.
Misty's training began first, and her improvement is very encouraging.
Lily's training is also underway and she too is making very good
progress.
It's so rewarding to see such magnificent animals, terrified after
being forced out of their familiar world and sent to a knackery to be
killed, not only responding to human contact but enjoying it.
Because mules are so much taller than donkeys, higher fences and gates
have had to be built. To help cover the cost of both this and their
training, a special mule sponsorship has been made available. If
you would like to help by sponsoring a mule, there is more information
here
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