Some of the Donkeys inside the main barn at Flicka, taken by Katie Winsor.
The Cornish donkey and pony sanctuary, Flicka, has been notoriously continuing the mission of its late founder, Mary Berryman, to rescue animals from abuse, neglect and abandonment for the past thirty years.
As they hit this huge milestone, I was able to discover more about the work the company has done to provide these animals’ heart-warming transformations and learn more about the process of rehabilitation.
Originally known as ‘the Golden Oldies’, equestrian sanctuary, Flicka begun with Berryman’s rescue and continued care for an elderly pony, Mickey.
The sanctuary was later renamed ‘Flicka’, after a pony they rescued from abandonment in the centre of an industrial estate in the early years of the sanctuary.
Flicka’s story emphasized to the charity the abandonment and neglect many unwell or over working age equestrians were challenged with, which ultimately started the foundation.
Since its establishment in 1995, Flicka has continued to provide over 1,000 animals with a safe and supportive environment throughout their rehabilitation journey.
Animals come from across the globe for a variety of safety, social and health reasons to get the opportunity of a better chance at life.
Each volunteer and permanent staff member I spoke to share the same aim, with one describing that it’s a need to provide ‘sanctuary and peace’ to these previously unstable animals.
Flicka currently holds over 100 animals throughout an array of fields and barns, designed to suit their social and health needs, which are all open to be viewed by the public.
A crowd of Donkeys outside at Flicka, taken by Katie Winsor.
Over the past thirty years, the sanctuary has designed every enclosure to suit each donkey’s personal needs; with most donkey’s beginning their rehabilitation journey in separate barns and fields, allowing them to become comfortable in their environment before being introduced to the public.
I spoke to a newer volunteer, Briana Pascoe, who shared how the sanctuary goes about integrating newer timid donkeys with the more socialised animals.
Pascoe shared that due to each donkey having unique needs, due to their various rescue stories, the staff at Flicka usually ‘pair them up in buddies’; allowing them to try and build an initial bond.
With the donkey’s reaction to this slow process being unpredictable, the volunteers shared each animals’ initial reaction to decide the process going forward.
For example, Pascoe shared how the process initially all started in a smaller heard, away from the main barn and allowed them time to grow confidence with their new environment.
Depending on their social progression in the smaller herds, they’ll either remain there or begin to be introduced into the main barn.
One donkey who appeared to be thriving in this process, was one of the larger donkeys ‘Meg’, who could frequently be spotted nearby one of the Sanctuary leaders, Laurie Stephenson.
An Image of Meg the donkey, found on Flicka’s online gallery:https://www.flickafoundation.org.uk/meg.html
Stephenson shared how Meg immediately flourished in adapting to the sanctuary and the publics presence, after being brought into the sanctuary in 2019.
To allow animals like Meg the opportunity to feel safe within their new home, the team shared unique ways they’ve used to create a relaxing environment.
With one volunteer similarly sharing how the team’s consensus is ensuring every animal’s experience is overall ‘happiness’, she continued to explain some effective adaptations.
One that was seemingly effective, was playing classical music throughout the main barn- creating a tranquil ambience.
This image shows a variety of donkeys in the main barn at Flicka. This image was taken by Katie Winsor
Since being given its sanctuary status in 2007, they have the funding to afford such concentrated care for the animals directly, averaging around £100,000 each year.
Despite being a tourist attraction, the centre’s annual maintenance and staff time are entirely funded by charity donations and their own fundraising events, such as adopting a donkey or charity walks.
By adopting donkeys, visitors have the chance to grow a close connection with an animal in need of support.
Also, they provide the sanctuary with a donation that can aid with future care costs, ensuring consistent widespread progression.
For those interested, the sanctuary puts zero pressure in the weight of donations, starting from as small as £3 a month, and instead prioritizes donators taking the time to personally chose a donkey they feel most inclined to support through their online gallery.
This gallery opens visitors up to the journey each donkey has individually gone through since being at Flicka.
By learning their stories, you gain the chance to connect emotionally with them first, highlighting a volunteers point about donkeys that many owners disregard, showing that they’re not ‘processions’ for human consumption.
Additionally, this creates an environment where visitors and volunteers can easily get to know the donkeys’ individual personalities; through 7 day a week opening times and scheduled routines.
Evolving connections between these animals, staff and the public was recognizable throughout the sanctuary and as Flicka’s anniversary approaches, it was ultimately evident they’ve built a true haven for animals and the local community.
And as these furry residents continue to grow, the sanctuary’s persistence in providing them with an equal amount of psychological and physical care, shows no sign of stopping.