THE DONKEY Sanctuary is appealing for people to help donkeys like leonidas this Christmas. The 25-year old donkey had been abandoned by gypsies and was found wandering the streets close by the Sanctuary s small rescue centre in Trikala, in the Thessaly re

THE DONKEY Sanctuary is appealing for people to help donkeys like leonidas this Christmas.

The 25-year old donkey had been abandoned by gypsies and was found wandering the streets close by the Sanctuary's small rescue centre in Trikala, in the Thessaly region of central Greece, in October.

Leonidas was suffering with long feet and a painfully tight chain halter, which had caused severe wounds under his chin and on his nose.

He is now cared for at the rescue centre in Greece and is making a good recovery. The centre provides permanent care to neglected and unwanted donkeys and has 35 donkeys currently in its care.

Paul Svendsen, who runs the charity's European operations, said: "We started providing refuge to donkeys outside of the UK in 2002 and demand has been such that we have since established rescue centres in Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

"We need to raise funds towards the costs of caring for donkeys at our Greek centre, where Leonidas now lives and providing their care, including the provision of food and shelter; costs our charity €6 (£5.60) per donkey, per day. It's a huge commitment, but one that can't be ignored, and many donkeys can be saved from an otherwise miserable life."

The Donkey Sanctuary's holding base in Greece currently has a capacity for 30 donkeys, and is hoping to increase the number to 40 next year if the charity raises enough funds to buy additional land.

The donkeys receive permanent refuge once signed over to the sanctuary and are never sold.

To help the Donkey Sanctuary with its work in Greece and other parts of the world, please send donations to The Donkey Sanctuary (Leonidas), Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NU or visit www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk.