The oldest pony at the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, Delilah, has passed away over the weekend at the age of 34.
A dun-coloured pony, Delilah originally came to the Island back in the early 2000s after being found abandoned. She had previously worked as a carriage-driving pony and had lost her friend shortly before coming to the centre in Wroxall.
After some years, Delilah was put on loan to the Gates family who cared for her alongside their own family horse, Aqua, for over 10 years before arriving back at along with her former carers Mel and Katie Gates who now both work at the sanctuary.
The oldest pony at the sanctuary, Delilah enjoyed her remaining years living in a mixed herd with her friends Daisy pony, Billy Boy, Murphy, and Frosty.
In a statement posted on their Facebook page, Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary has said:
“Delilah loved fuss and attention and was a very vocal pony who always let you know when it was food time.
“Our team gave her the best care and Katie told them all just how special Delilah was. Delilah passed surrounded by her herd friends and the farm team that loved her.”
So sorry to read about Delilah’s passing at the Donkey Sanctuary. She has been loved and well cared for amongst the other ponies and donkeys and the lovely caring people who looked after her. RIP Delilah xxx