Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 2nd April 2015
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Orphan donkey Arya is new Redwings star
Arya has been confirmed as the newest addition to Redwings Horse Sanctuary Adoption Club.

Poitou donkey is named after Game of Thrones character

An orphaned donkey foal has been confirmed as the newest addition to the Redwings Horse Sanctuary Adoption Club.

Arya, a part-bred Poitou donkey, arrived at Redwings in August 2014 when she was just one month old.

Named after Arya Stark from George R. R Martin's fantasy novels Game of Thrones, the foal arrived with her mum Millie, and their companions, mum Adel and her son Merlin.

Sadly their owner, a longstanding Redwings volunteer, was no longer able to provide the specialised care that a family of Poitou donkeys need.

Millie suffered from ongoing lameness issues, a condition that the breed is particularly susceptible to. She was put to sleep in January so that she did not suffer - leaving baby Arya an orphan.

As donkeys form very close bonds, Redwings kept a close eye on Arya, but she coped fantastically well and lived to fight another day.

With the support of her companions and the Sanctuary's care team, Arya, best friend Merlin and adoptive mum Adel were able to take up permanent residents at the Charity's Oxhill visitor centre in Warwickshire.

“Arya’s heartfelt tale, bold nature and adorable character make her the most perfect, fluffy addition to the Redwings Adoption Club”, the charity commented. "On Friday 3rd April, Arya will be making her debut as a fully-fledged Adoption Star."

Poitou donkeys are a very rare breed of donkey originating from France. With only 400 left in the world, they sport a shaggy coat and stand at an impressive 14.2hh (41cm taller than the average donkey).

For more information visit www.redwings.org.uk. 

Image (C) Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BBC Radio 4 documentary addresses corporate fees

BBC Radio 4's File on 4 Investigates has released a documentary exploring how corporate-owned veterinary practices may be inflating bills to increase profit.

Released on 15 April, 'What's Happening To Your Vet Bills?' revealed the policies which many corporate groups have in place to increase their profits. This included targets and upgrades which veterinary teams are tasked with meeting on a regular basis.

It also features Anrich Vets, an independently-owned practice based in Wigan. Following the case of Staffordshire terrier Benjy, who is diagnosed with a tumour, the documentary shares how the team were able to offer contextualised care and advice to make the procedure as affordable as possible for his owners.

The documentary can be heard on demand on BBC iPlayer.