PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary

Submitted by: Jason Kay

Hike reference: 11.2 km Rice Lake View and donkey sanctuary

(*This narrative is a summary of information culled from the PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary website: https://www.primrosedonkeysanctuary.com/).

The sanctuary was founded in 2000 by Sheila Burns, a Quebec native who’d moved to Ontario in 1966 and subsequently settled in Roseneath in 2000. She brought various farm animals with her to the new property, including 12 donkeys.

Shortly thereafter, she was made aware of a donkey whose job was to protect cattle, but who had suffered a broken foot and was left lying in a field. Sheila spoke to the cattle farmer and agreed to rescue the donkey, who came to be known as ‘Amazing Grace’. Two weeks later, Sheila rescued a second donkey, that was in need of a new home, this time from a farm in Tweed. PrimRose is now home to 70 donkeys and mules.

The farm’s mission statement: “We are dedicated to the rescue, wellness and protection of abandoned, abused, and re-homed donkeys, mules, and hinnies.” 

Some of the animals are available for adoption to suitable homes. The donkeys are not adopted out for breeding purposes or as livestock guardians.