HAVERHILL, N.H. – It is not often that one hears of a donkey going to slaughter but that is just where six recently rescued donkeys were destined.

When made aware of their plight, Tomten Farm and Sanctuary embraced its “do more, be more and give more” philosophy and opened its gates to welcome the six lives in need. That number has since increased to eight, as two of the jennies are in foal!

Unhandled, mishandled and underweight, these needy lives were lucky to make it out of the auction pipeline thanks to the collaborative efforts of Tomten Farm and Sanctuary, rescuer, Diana Darnell and more than 50 supporters. Their stories have already touched hundreds as they become ambassadors for others like them.

As the demand for donkey hides continues, donkeys are losing their lives at an alarming rate as they are processed for their skins to make ejaio, a donkey hide gelatin used as an ingredient in Chinese medicine. According to Scientific American magazine, this product is in such high demand that, “if the current pace continues, more than half of the world’s donkeys would need to be slaughtered in the next five years”.

“No matter what the season,” said Tomten founder Jenifer Vickery. “It is always a good time to give the gift of life.” She, her loyal supporters and the unpaid volunteers of the nonprofit are hopeful that their recent donkey rescue will stimulate thought and spread joy through New Hampshire and beyond.

Tomten Farm and Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to providing peace, protection and possibility to animals in need. It is home to 50 + rescued animals, staffed solely by volunteers and relies 100% on donations. The Sanctuary opens their gates to the public during regularly scheduled RSVP Farm Tours and offers special events for their life giving supporters throughout the year.

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