TWO rescued donkeys are doing well and fighting hard for a second chance at life, revealed their bighearted carers.
Donegal Donkey Sanctuary took the pair in for urgent medical attention in July.
The Donegal News reported that the donkeys – known as Susie and Madeleine – were found in a horrific state with crows “eating them alive”.
Madeleine was discovered with her ears missing and Susie was emaciated with open wounds that were caused by birds.
Now sanctuary co-owner Sandra Curran has told the Donegal News: “It has been 11 weeks since Susie and Madeleine came into the care of Donegal Donkey Sanctuary.
“Their condition on arrival was truly heartbreaking – but both have fought hard for a second chance at life.
“We are happy to report that Madeleine has settled really well and found some new friends among the other resident donkeys at the sanctuary.
“For the first number of weeks, she was very scared to approach people and kept very much to herself but with lots of patience and loving care she has developed enough courage to trust again.
“She loves to see visitors arrive and is one of the first to come over to the fence to say hello.
“She just can’t get enough love and cuddles. It is a delight to behold. It never ceases to amaze us that donkeys have such a capacity to recover.”
Madeleine was discovered with her ears missing in July 2026 and is continuing to recover at Donegal Donkey Sanctuary.
Susie was found in July 2026 emaciated with open wounds that were caused by birds, but is now doing better.
Sandra added: “Unfortunately, Susie’s journey has been a lot tougher and she has needed every bit of care that our sanctuary volunteers have to give.
“She has gained in weight, is happy in herself, is eating well and responding to her carers in a very positive way.
“She needs space to heal so she has been close to the donkeys in the adjoining paddock but cannot be with Madeleine as she is just too fragile at this stage.
“We always knew that it would be a long road for her.
“Everything that can possibly be done is being done and we can only hope for a happy outcome.
“Our sincere thanks to all the many visitors who have come to visit Susie and Madeleine, often laden with ginger nuts, which they have enjoyed very much.
“Overall, we are cautiously optimistic for Susie. Only time will tell.”
Donations can be made on the Emergency Rescue Appeal DDS gofundme.com website.
More than €30,000 has been raised of a €35,000 target.