Game of Thrones donkey - The Stratford Observer

Game of Thrones donkey

Stratford Editorial 31st Mar, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

WITH the ‘Winds of Winter’ blowing, Redwings Horse Sanctuary near Alcester has welcomed its very own daughter of Winterfell.

Baby Arya is a part-bred Poitou donkey and the newest addition to the Redwings Adoption Club.

Delighting visitors with her lively character at Redwings’ Oxhill centre, the charity could not resist making little Arya an Adoption Star.

Named after Arya Stark of George R R Martin’s fantasy novels by her previous owner, the foal is a true warrior just like her Game of Thrones counterpart – but she still needs adopters to support her and her friends in their new home. Supporters can sponsor Arya for an annual cost of £12.50, every penny of which goes towards her daily care and that of all residents at the UK’s largest horse sanctuary.




As well as making a lovely new friend, adopters of Arya will receive twice-yearly updates from her together with photographs, and at just seven months old, this little foal already has many tales to tell.

Arya arrived at Redwings Horse Sanctuary last August, when she was just one-month-old, together with her mum Millie and their companions, mother and son Adel and Merlin.


Sadly, their owner, a long-standing Redwings volunteer, was no longer able to provide the specialised care that a family of Poitou donkeys need, so the Sanctuary was happily able to give them a new home.

Arya’s mum Millie was a full registered Poitou – a very rare breed of donkey originating from France, of which only 400 remain in the world. As well as sporting the traditional shaggy coat and standing at an impressive 41cm – taller than the average donkey – Millie unfortunately suffered from ongoing lameness issues, a condition the Poitou breed is particularly susceptible to, and in January was put to sleep to ensure she did not suffer – leaving little Arya an orphan.

As donkeys form very close bonds, the Redwings veterinary team kept a close eye on the Poitou trio, but like a true survivor Arya coped 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 residence at the charity’s Oxhill visitor centre.

“Arya’s heartfelt tale, bold nature and adorable character make her the most perfect, fluffy addition to the Redwings Adoption Club”, said spokeswoman Lucinda King.

Redwings Oxhill is open daily from 10am to 4pm and entry is free of charge.

Visit www.redwings.org.uk/adopting or call 01508 481000 for further details.

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