The Scottish Donkey Sanctuary

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The Scottish Donkey Sanctuary

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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from The Scottish Donkey Sanctuary, Charitable organisation, St Boswells, Melrose.
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18/10/2026

The herd will be taking a well deserved break for the winter from the 31st of October ❄️

Make sure you get over to the Sanctuary either of the next two Saturdays if you want to say goodbye for the year 😆

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

11/10/2026

Quick pose for the camera 🤪

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

29/09/2026

Is that a polo I see 👀

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

09/09/2026

What a handsome group 😍

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

30/08/2026

Although cartoons love to portray donkeys with iron stomachs capable of eating old tin cans, their digestive systems are actually surprisingly delicate. While they are pros at foraging through tough desert scrub, too much sugar or rich grass can quickly cause serious health issues like laminitis 🥫🌿

That’s why our feeding routines at the sanctuary are strictly managed. They might look at your jacket or your sweeties with very hopeful eyes, but a high-fiber, low-sugar diet is essential for keeping our herd safe, happy, and healthy! 🥕✨

What’s the funniest donkey myth you’ve ever heard? Let us know below! 👇

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

19/08/2026

What you doing over there 🫣

Phoenix Photography Scotland

09/08/2026

Did you know that donkeys have a clever built-in "locking mechanism" that lets them sleep standing up? 😴🐴

While many people are surprised to see a donkey snoozing on its feet, they possess a special anatomical feature in their legs that allows them to lock their joints in place. This lets them doze lightly without the risk of tipping over!

However, there’s a catch: they can only get vital REM (dream) sleep by lying completely flat on the ground. Because lying down can make them feel vulnerable, they only need about 30 minutes of REM sleep a day, but it is completely essential for their health.

So, if you ever visit the sanctuary and see a donkey stretched out flat taking a peaceful nap, it’s a wonderful sign that they feel completely safe, relaxed, and right at home! 💤❤️

02/08/2026

Can anyone think of a better way to spend a Saturday than with these guys 🌞

Book your visit through the link below:

https://scottishdonkeysanctuary.org/

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

19/07/2026

Did you know that donkeys are essentially wearing "nature's hiking boots"? 🥾⛰️

While horses are built for soft, grassy plains, donkeys evolved in rugged, rocky, and arid desert environments. Because of this, their hooves have a completely different structure!

Donkey hooves are smaller, more upright, and have a thicker, tougher sole compared to a horse. This design gives them incredible grip and traction on uneven, stony ground, allowing them to navigate treacherous mountain paths with ease.

It’s one of the reasons why proper hoof care is so specialized for us. Because their hooves are so different, they need a farrier who understands that donkeys are not just "small horses." Our team works hard to keep their feet in top shape so they can stay comfortable and happy, whether they’re wandering the paddock or just exploring the yard!

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

12/07/2026

Oh hello there 😊

📷 Phoenix Photography Scotland

Address

St Boswells
Melrose
TD70EL

Opening Hours

1pm - 4pm

Telephone

+441835823468

Website

https://scottishdonkeysanctuary.org/

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