Strong gales that have been battering the Isle of Wight overnight and throughout today (Saturday) have caused over £15,000 worth of damage at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary near Wroxall.
3 field stables have been completely destroyed in the storm, with fencing ripped down and benches damaged too.
Staff and volunteers arrived at the sanctuary this morning to find the entrance driveway blocked by debris. It took nearly 3 hours to clear the drive and make the area safe.
Thankfully, all of the animals were safe during the storm with the majority of them being housed in the sanctuary’s permanent barns overnight.
Charity Manager, Derek Needham, has said:
“The most important thing was that our animals are all safe. However, the damage is a major blow to us. We have never seen anything like this in the last 10 years.
“Although the winds were not as strong as in some previous storms, the precise direction of the wind and several freak gusts appear to have caused a collection of damage which is costly, and which reduces our facilities.
“We are currently busy making areas safe, and then we will take stock of the situation later this weekend”.
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A yellow weather warning for severe gales has been issued by the IW Met Service, with wind speeds of 81mph recorded at The Needles this morning, as previously reported by Island Echo.
So gland Donkeys are fine, but must be frightened. Much of the wooden stables seem to be able to be repaired, yet after tonight, maybe only fit for matchwood.
Hope they get donations or insurance to help them recover and maybe build it stronger if poss.
I worked there about 15 years ago they do a great job donkeys are calm animals with a beautiful nature wish them all the best
Come on everyone let’s not just wish them well? let’s all help out, please if everyone on the island gives £1 the donkeys get new homes and more! They are so well looked after and seem so happy, think of it £1????
How do we donate to help??
To donate to the IoW Donkey Sanctuary, just visit their website:
https://www.iowdonkeysanctuary.org/ and click on ‘Donate’.
Simple!
Thank you for putting that on here! I bbq we I’ll pass on to my friends and family.
That idea is spot on anyone who has read this ask your friends and family to give a pound collect it and take it there maybe businesses can help builders merchants builders who could spare some time materials etc . In these times communities can help the sanctuary is there because people who care believe in giving care to animals . Let’s get together for once and help.
Let’s do this, yours is spot on too, with the businesses. Thank you