Events

Birdwatching in the Turtle Valley

Tuesday May 30th, 2023 10:00 a.m. to Noon

Join avid Birdwatchers Bob and Sandra Ewart who have traveled the world seeking out birds in their natural habitat and have years of knowledge to share.

We welcome you to our exciting introduction to Birdwatching at the Donkey Refuge. Enjoy an easy walk to the creekside along the Donkey’s pasture where we will seek out the nesting birds in Turtle Valley.

Tuesday May 30th, 2023
10:00 a.m. to Noon
Coffee/Tea will be served
Admission is sliding scale $5 to $20
Please pay what you are able.
Limited space so sign up early!

All proceeds to support Donkey Care.
Sign up online here or by phone – 250-679-2778.

This program is partially funded by the Province of British Columbia.
If you would like to participate but are unable to pay, please call us 250-679-2778

Quiet Tuesdays 2023 - Pre-Book Only (NO DROP IN)

Tuesdays starting May 2 to August 29, 2023

Join us here at the Refuge on Tuesdays for a quiet day. Enjoy our sunny new patio and a walk through the barn. The Donkey Shoppe will be open for your enjoyment & a Donkey Care Demonstration with our Herd Health Staff is scheduled for each time block (see schedule below).

All entry on Tuesday is by pre-booking only & we are capping each 2-hour visiting time block at 15 participants only. You are welcome to arrive anytime during your booked time, but you must leave by the time noted so others can enjoy the Refuge.

Donkey Care Demonstration Schedule:

Morning Visit – 10:45 AM in the Main Barn.
Afternoon Visit – 1:30 PM in the Main Barn.

Please note Quiet Tuesdays are by pre-booking only – we will not be accepting drop-in visitors. Book your Quiet Tuesday online here.

Donkey Visit 2023 - Pre-Book or Drop In (SAT/SUN ONLY)

May 6 to August 27, 2023 - SAT/SUN ONLY - 10:30am - 3:30pm

Join us here at the Refuge for a wonderful day visiting with the donkeys! Enjoy our sunny patio and walk about the farm. The Donkey Shoppe will be open for your enjoyment.

Starting Saturday, May 6, 2023, the Refuge will be open Saturdays & Sundays only for donkey visits, from 10:30am – 3:30pm; last gate entry 3:00pm.

Pre-book your tickets online here for a discount, or you are always welcome to drop in on weekends at the regular visiting rate.

Guided Tour 2023 - Pre-Book Only (NO DROP IN)

Thursdays Only starting May 11 to August 31

Pre-book your group for a special guided tour on a Thursday! Your tour includes a guided historical talk about the Turtle Valley, the Refuge & our Donkeys, as well as a special visit with the Donkeys.

Enjoy our sunny new patio and walk through the barns. We are happy to provide coffee & tea and the Donkey Shoppe can be open for your enjoyment if you wish.

Please note Guided Tours are by pre-booking only – we will not be accepting drop-in visitors. In order to hold a date, you must provide a deposit. Book online here.

Donkey Health Care Class

Saturday, June 10, 2023 - 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Join Rob and our Herd Health Staff on June 10, 2023, for an informative class that will provide you with important information that is needed to properly care for a donkey.

You will be provided with a hands-on introduction to donkey care which will feature:
– feeding your donkey (including special diet formulas)
– proper hoof care
– how important is water
– parasite control
– shelter, and bedding
– maintaining a healthy donkey
– Learn to groom
– Learn to clean hooves
– Learn to put on a halter
– Learn how to communicate with your donkeys.

Limited Spaces – book early!
Admission of $75/person includes a one-year Donkey Refuge Membership.

Program runs Saturday, June 10, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Bring a lunch; Refreshments provided.

This class is a prerequisite for all Volunteer Groomers.