Escape Artist Donkeys Find Safety After Roadside Drama
By Animals Correspondent
Two runaway donkeys who repeatedly wandered onto a busy Worcestershire road have been given a safe new start — after police called in the experts.
The mischievous pair, spotted straying near Pershore time and time again, were causing concern for motorists and locals, with officers from West Mercia Police regularly drafted in to manage traffic and keep everyone safe. But a long-term fix was needed.
Enter The Donkey Sanctuary.
After weeks of offering advice behind the scenes, the charity’s welfare team arranged a visit to assess the situation — and what they found was far from ideal. The field the donkeys were living in was not secure, making it easy for the adventurous duo to slip through gaps and head for the roadside.
Ahead of the visit, Hannah Bryer, The Donkey Sanctuary's Head of Welfare, spoke with the owner, who agreed the animals would be better off in the charity’s care.
Plans were quickly put in place to bring them to safety.
On the day, it was all hands on deck. With help from a World Horse Welfare Field Officer — armed with handling pens — plus four police officers, the team secured the field and created a safe loading area.
The donkeys, now named Grapefruit and Elderflower, were fitted with headcollars and given time to settle before being checked by sanctuary vet Jamie Forrest to ensure they were fit to travel. They were then transported to the charity’s New Arrivals Unit in Sidmouth.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police, said:
“As many local residents will know, two donkeys had been frequently escaping from their home, which created a significant demand on policing due to the need for repeated officer attendance.”
“It was agreed that the donkeys could be moved to The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth. Although that may sound simple - these two donkeys are true escape artists!”
“After a few hours of teamwork and patience, both donkeys were safely secured and transported to their new home at The Donkey Sanctuary.”
Hannah Bryer added:
“Donkeys are naturally curious animals who enjoy interacting with their environment and will naturally browse hedgerows and other shrubs.
“Whilst opportunities to perform this natural behaviour is incredibly beneficial to their wellbeing, donkeys can find their way through narrow gaps in hedgerows and fences so it's really important that owners provide a safe environment and check the boundary to their fields are secure.”
Now safe in Devon, Grapefruit and Elderflower have already had their feet trimmed and are receiving ongoing veterinary care.
The police spokesperson added:
“A huge thank you to The Donkey Sanctuary for their incredible help, advice, and support over the past month.
"This outcome truly would not have been possible without them."
