Elisabeth Svendsen Trust

Charlie C never gets bored, because there's always so much going on at the centre, from riding in the arena to running around the fields with his friends. He loves working with the children, which is one reason he is often chosen to go out and visit them in their schools. He loves all the extra attention he receives when visiting the schools and the staff know he will be well-behaved and a credit to the centre.

Charlie C came to work for EST Birmingham in 1997. Originally, he had been relinquished to our sister charity, The Donkey Sanctuary in 1996 after his owner could no longer give him the time, love and affection he needs. Being of a gentle nature, he was ideally suited to working with children.

He enjoys giving rides to the special needs children so much he even tries to come in when it isn't even his turn!

Like all his donkey friends, Donk Dean was very excited to try out the newly-built menage at the centre. The sand is great to play in, and even on cold days, when the field is muddy, there is now a place where he and the other donkeys can roll as often as they like. It's an ideal place for sunbathing - the only thing missing for the donkeys now is a swimming pool!

Donk Dean was relinquished to our sister charity, The Donkey Sanctuary in 1991 when his elderly owners found a young donkey was too much of a handful. Donk Dean has been at EST Birmingham since the centre opened in 1994. He loves giving cart rides to the special needs children who visit and has even won a rosette for his carriage driving!

At times during the year, Moses can look just like a teddy bear. He then visits the hairdresser - well, she's his groom really! Then he's back to his handsome self. After his wash and brush up, it's back to his new stable in the yard, which has views across the fields. He is a very happy donkey both at work and at play.

Moses was originally in a pets corner of a pub. He was originally given to our sister charity, The Donkey Sanctuary when his horse companion died. Because of his gentle nature, he is well suited to working with children. Moses is friendly and affectionate and loves apples and carrots.

Oscar is proving to be a very smart donkey - not only is he excellent at giving rides, he can now pull the cart. Whilst working in the arena, Oscar always seems to be very serious and to concentrate fully on the job he's doing - but back in the field, he's as mischevious as ever, making everyone laugh with his antics!

Oscar was given to our sister charity, The Donkey Sanctuary, in 1995 as his owner suffered with arthritis so could no longer look after him and his other animals. Oscar has been at the EST Birmingham since 2000 and likes to be the centre of attention and can be quite cheeky!