Sidmouth: virtually 'meet' the mules at Donkey Sanctuary farm

Animal lovers are being invited to virtually meet The Donkey Sanctuary's resident mules, as its award-winning Sanctuary From Your Sofa event returns.

On Sunday, September 19, people will be able to watch two live broadcasts from the sanctuary's Town Barton Farm in Tedburn St Mary, along with a pre-recorded film.

The virtual visit, starting at 2pm, will showcase the sanctuary's mules and reveal how intelligent they are.

Viewers will be taken on a virtual tour of the farm and 'meet' the grooms who care for the 100 mules and hinnies. Staff will also explain how mules differ characteristically and physically from donkeys.

The final live visit to the farm at 3pm will focus on the individual stories of some of the resident mules who now call Town Barton Farm their home. One of the stories include that of nine-year-old mule Lugs, who came into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary as a foal in 2013.

Lugs was discovered cowering alongside her mother who had been severely injured. Despite the trauma early in her life, Lugs went on to make a full recovery thanks to expert care from staff at the charity and is now a favourite among grooms at Town Barton.

Farm not usually seen by the public

Paul Carter, farm manager at Town Barton Farm said: "We are really pleased to be able to give viewers a 'behind the scenes' look around Town Barton and demonstrate how we care for our resident herd.

"Mules are beautiful creatures and are often misunderstood, and we hope that by the end of the day, people will have a greater understanding of these special animals."

The 144-acre farm, which is not open to the public, sits on the edge of Dartmoor National Park and is home to more than 100 mules and hinnies, as well as 170 donkeys, who are cared for by a team of 14 full and part-time staff.

The farm is also a haven for wildlife, including foxes, deer, badgers, buzzards and brown hares. Areas of the farm are managed by the charity's conservation team to help provide them with suitable habitats.

For the full running order and how to watch Sanctuary from your Sofa, visit The Donkey Sanctuary's website.

The charity's international headquarters in Sidmouth is open to visitors seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm. Entry and parking are free and dogs on leads are welcome.