Mini Donkey Hugs Animal Experience

A wonderful mini encounter with our pair of sweet Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys. 

This is the best animal encounter for donkey lovers who may be less mobile or have any health issues or disabilities. You’ll be in your own private session with Maverick & Goose, our dinky donkeys, who are very interactive but aren’t petting farm animals and are expressive and responsive to meeting you.

As it is your own session, we take every step at your pace. Most sessions are held in The Dinks’ scenic field with them loose (or haltered if you prefer). They enjoy being groomed and having a few treats along with a scratch and a cuddle. They are generally quiet and interested in meeting you. Post-covid, we held some very special Dinky Donkey hugging sessions for people who had been shielding – they can be very huggy!

These interactive donkey sessions are intended for people who love donkeys but may have limited mobility, autism or PTSD. They are also great for smaller children should you want to introduce them in a respectful way to meeting donkeys and animals in general. You’ll be with a friendly, experienced trainer at all times who will share knowledge about the donkeys and their life on their smallholding as well as showing how to communicate with the donkeys to interact safely. Sturdy garden chairs can be provided if needed – just let us know in advance.

We include up to 4 people in these private sessions so you can interact as a family or group of friends, or you can come alone. Wheelchair users are welcome but we do require at least one accompanying person because the donkeys are very fond of nibbling, and tyres are particularly vulnerable! Although precautions can be taken, we are sorry but we cannot be held responsible for any damage to wheelchairs, clothing or shoelaces.

We only hold a maximum of 2 donkey sessions a day and are respectful of The Dinks enjoying their meetings, walks and games. These sessions can be held year round but we do cancel if the weather is looking too poor. In this instance, barn sessions can be held but you can also rebook. With poor weather, refunds are fine if you cannot rebook. Please see our T&C for full details.

These sessions are always private & just for you. Please enquire about dates and times but we can usually arrange these most days of the year along as The Dinks and their handler are available. They are £60 for around 30 minutes and £90 for around 45 minutes. The exact time depends on you and The Dinks.

If you would like to buy undated mini donkey encounter vouchers as a present for a donkey lover, you can look forward to a special day out & UK staycation with friends and family in 2024 & 2025. Pop to our Gifts page for undated vouchers or stay on this page and view the calendar to book a specific date.

This is a smallholding and the mini donkeys are pets – they will see out their natural lives under the gentle care of their owner. Should weather conditions be averse, we’ll be in touch to reschedule or refund. Slightly rainy weather is fine but with wet or very windy weather, the donkeys prefer to stay in their barn. Their welfare is paramount but they do live in Wales and normal rain is fine!

What to wear on your donkey interaction

Wellies or waterproof boots advised, even in summer. Kindly note that the field has a slight incline and the surface is not smooth but fine for most people to walk in.

Please book through the calendar on this page or enquire for specific dates. If you wish to buy an undated voucher, please use the Buy a Voucher button either buy specific or general Gift Vouchers as great special presents. All our vouchers come with information and a gift card as standard. 

CAN DOGS COME ALONG?

No! Sorry, but dogs are not allowed on our walks as they can stress the animals. Please contact us if you would like a recommendation for a dog sitter.