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Sparsholt College Hampshire incorporates Andover College. Below are news items from both Campuses.

A new life for beach donkeys at Sparsholt College

Tuesday 02 December 2008

Former beach donkeys, Rocky and Smoky, are enjoying a new life at Sparsholt College Hampshire, helping to educate students about caring for donkeys whilst enjoying retirement in the College’s rural grounds.

The donkeys previously worked on Margate Beach – the first UK resort to offer donkey rides to holiday makers. They arrived at the College in July after their owner contacted the Donkey Sanctuary in the hope that they could be found good homes. Sparsholt College jumped at the chance.

“I had been looking to increase the number of donkeys within the animal collection and was delighted when this opportunity arose,” said Donna Ward, Curator of Sparsholt’s Animal Management Centre. “They are stable characters, used to people and therefore great for our students to work with and we knew that we could offer them an excellent home.”

The donkeys have proved a valuable asset to Sparsholt's Animal Management Centre which is home to over 500 animals from over 100 different species. There are currently 660 students studying a range of full and part-time courses in Animal Management and Veterinary Nursing at the College who benefit from working with such a diverse range of animals.

Both Rocky (13) and Smoky (20) now have a lasting home at the College. They live together with their new friends - two miniature donkeys and a horse - in fields and are stabled at night. Their good natured temperament enables students to gain hands on experience and learn about basic husbandry, handling and welfare of donkeys.

“We are delighted to be able to give them a permanent home.” Said Donna. “They’re wonderful characters and have proved a real success with our students.”

Mark Kerr, the Donkey Sanctuary’s Regional Welfare Officer for the South and South East England, said: “I am delighted that Sparsholt College was able to take these two lovely donkeys on. Having worked for years on the beach they deserve the very best of care and attention in their retirement. The fact that they will be instrumental in helping students understand more about the care and welfare of donkeys is obviously of great benefit.”