Sheila Burns: The Primrose Donkey Sanctuary
Sheila Burns, owner and operator of The Primrose Donkey Sanctuary. (Katherine Holland, 2025)
“The PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary is run on love, unlimited care and rehabilitation of any donkey, mule and hinnie who comes on our property. ”
Rescued donkeys in the fields in Roseneath. (Katherine Holland, 2025)
Off a main road in Roseneath, Ontario, operating among farmer’s fields and a passionate local community is The Primrose Donkey Sanctuary. Founded by the lovely and humble Sheila Burns in 2000 with 12 donkeys, she has opened her heart and property to any donkey that needs her love and support.
Sheila was inspired to create this safe haven after falling in love with her first donkey, named PrimRose.
As of October 2025, she has 64 donkeys, mules and hinnies - and has had as many as 83 on the property at one time in the past. You will also spot a goat, and over 30 feral cats that take refuge with Sheila overnight, away from the coyotes, and are set free again in the morning to roam the property.
They focus on support and rehabilitation, with the end goal being that these donkeys find their new forever home. They are most commonly rescued from abusive or neglectful situations, or downgrading farms, and usually found by Sheila through tips from the public. From there, they bring them home, build them back up, and then try to find them a new suitable and permanent home.
To run a place like this, you have to account for the fact that supporting donkeys comes with a cost of over a thousand dollars per donkey per year. Add to that the farm hands, and access to a good equine vet and farrier, and the need for donations is constant. You have to be very dedicated, have a huge heart, relentless passion, and a fabulous team of people around you.
Thankfully, Sheila seems to have no shortage of volunteers, but always seems grateful to welcome more.
The calm and charismatic personalities of these donkeys is equine therapy at its best. They bray for their lunch, roll on their backs in the the fresh rain puddles, and let the position of their ears tell you how they are feeling.
She is open to the public on Thursdays and Sundays from 1-3pm. With Elizabeth the cat being their honorary greeter, rolling on the ground for rubs in front of all new arrivals.
Daisy, a blind donkey, and John the cat. (Katherine Holland, 2025)
Once you enter the property, look to your left and you will see two beautiful, and blind donkeys that are kept together. They are separated from the others that are gathered around the hay feeder, as they are very sensitive to noise.
Lunch time at the farm. (Katherine Holland, 2025)
As cats cross over your feet, and the smell of hay fills your nose, you meet more and more donkeys, and inevitably will find your favourites that will keep you coming back over and over.
For me, it was Frito, a new resident and old soul, and George, who had only lived with fellow male donkeys, and now loves the ladies. They followed me around, nuzzling me, and were very, very interested in having their photos taken.
Here I am with George the donkey.
Now in it’s 25th year, and ever-expanding, the sanctuary needs as many reliable donors as possible.
If you are inspired by these stories, and able to help support these beautiful friends, click through to visit her site. It doesn’t take much to make a huge difference.