Good Samaritan Donkey Sanctuary
Rescue and Rehabilitation
Love and shelter for donkeys since 1972
The Good Samaritan Donkey Sanctuary is a rescue and lifelong sanctuary dedicated to providing peace, safety and compassionate care to donkeys in need. Many of our residents have come to us after neglect or hardship, and we focus on creating a calm, low-stress environment where each donkey can recover and live with dignity.
Safe Haven
We offer a safe haven where donkeys are welcomed with open arms and surrounded by an environment designed to cater to their specific needs. Our spacious pastures, sheltered barns, and enriching activities offer the perfect backdrop for these incredible creatures to heal and thrive.
Expert Care
Our team consists of experienced and compassionate individuals who are well versed in donkey care. From veterinary experts to skilled volunteers, we ensure that each donkey receives the attention, medical treatment, and training necessary for their physical and emotional wellbeing.
Transforming Lives
Our unwavering commitment lies in transforming the lives of donkeys that have experienced neglect, abuse, or abandonment. Through our dedicated team and specialised care, we provide these majestic animals with a second chance at a life filled with love, respect, and happiness.
As we are non-profit and get no government assistance, we rely on the generosity of supporters like you to continue our lifesaving work. By making a donation, you contribute to the ongoing care, medical treatment, and overall well being of our rescued donkeys.
Our
Story
The Good Samaritan Donkey Sanctuary (GSDS) rescues donkeys from ill treatment or neglect. Located in NSW’s Hunter Valley, the Sanctuary covers 300 acres and cares for up to 130 donkeys.
Some of those in our care have been surrendered by owners no longer able to look after them but, sadly, most have suffered great abuse and neglect.
- ICU Facilities
- 300 Acres
- Up to 130 donkeys
- Transforming Lives
- Expert Care
- Safe Haven
- Education and Advocacy
- Rehoming
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Brighter Futures
Donkeys Rescued
Years Rescuing
Our
Donors and Volunteers
As Australia’s first sanctuary, GSDS has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming donkeys since 1990. We are non-profit, receive no government funding, and are dependent upon our donkey-loving volunteers.
Donkeys are large animals and need a lot of everything, including attention. We are always looking for more like-minded people to help with the daily workload.
Our
Wish List
Throughout the year, we get many enquiries about our donkeys’ needs and our Sanctuary’s Wish List. To address this, we’ve curated a list of essentials that we consistently use, as well as a few items that would make our daily tasks smoother.
Visit our Wish List page to view the full list.
Fly Repellent
One essential item we consistently invest in, particularly during the warmer months,...
MyGivingCircle
Vote for Us
MyGivingCircle is a social enterprise committed to helping charities, not-for-profits, and community groups. To receive a grant, a charity must have a minimum of 2,000 votes. By voting for Good Samaritan Donkey Sanctuary Incorporated, you give us a chance of receiving one of these grants.Â
Thank You for Looking After Me
Sponsor a Donkey
Sponsoring a donkey is a remarkable way to forge a profound connection with these incredible beings and play an integral role in their journey to recovery.
When you sponsor a donkey, you get:
- Donations $50 and over: an on-screen quality personalised certificate emailed to you
- Donations $500 and over: a printable-quality personalised certificate emailed to you
By becoming a Good Samaritan Donkey Sanctuary sponsor, you provide vital support that directly contributes to the donkey’s care, medical needs, nourishment, and overall wellbeing.
Visiting
The Sanctuary
We are a closed sanctuary and are not open to the general public.
The Good Samaritan Donkey Sanctuary welcomes scheduled visits by appointment only from donors, approved volunteers and potential adopters. All visits must be arranged at least seven (7) days in advance. Unscheduled or drop-in visits cannot be accommodated.
Our sanctuary has been intentionally designed as a calm, low-stimulation environment. Many of the donkeys in our care have experienced neglect, mistreatment or chronic stress, and they thrive best in surroundings that are quiet, predictable and respectful of their individual boundaries.
By maintaining a closed location, we are able to prioritise the emotional and physical wellbeing of every donkey in our care.
For visiting enquiries, please contact our manager at:
donkeyrescueoz@gmail.com
Donkey of the Month
Meet Derek
Derek arrived at the Sanctuary on Sunday 8th September, 2024, having come to us through the heartfelt decision of his previous owner. In tears as she had to say goodbye, it was clear that this parting was a decision made out of love.
At just 5 years old, Derek arrived in need of substantial hoof care and ongoing treatments. This means that his road to recovery is a lone one, and the costs of his care are high. Derek is strong, and with the love and support of his new family here at the Sanctuary, he’s getting the chance to heal, one step at a time.
Learn more about Derek's story by clicking the Sponsor Derek button below.
Among Friends
Now We Can Begin Their Rehabilitation
Our
Latest News
Sanctuary is Bigger Than Many Think
Learn more about how we care for the donkeys and how essential...