29 November 2018

We say a sad goodbye to retired Adoption Star Denise

We’re terribly sorry to announce the sad loss of our beloved retired Adoption Star Denise.

Denise had lived at our Caldecott Visitor Centre, near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk, since 2001. She had recently turned 22 years old, however due to concerns over her health, we sadly had to cancel her birthday party after following the advice from our vets.

Denise arrived at Redwings in 1996, when she was just a few days old. Her mum Poppet had developed mastitis (an inflammation of the mammary gland), which meant she could not produce milk to feed her baby. After arriving at Redwings, Denise was given round-the-clock care by our team who bottle-fed her morning, noon and night and she grew up into a healthy donkey who was loved by all.

Shortly before retiring from the Adoption Scheme in September, Denise had been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease (or PPID), a common condition affecting the pituitary gland in older equines, and had been receiving special veterinary attention for her teeth. Unfortunately, despite this treatment and lots of TLC, she had begun to struggle to maintain her weight.

Sadly, her condition took a recent downturn and our vets felt they had no choice but to make the heart-breaking decision to put her to sleep to ensure she did not suffer. She passed away on Tuesday 27^th November.

Denise was much loved by her supporters and carers alike. She spent over 17 years as popular member of the Adoption Scheme - making her one of our longest-serving stars! - and we know she’ll be sorely missed.

A memorial fund has been set up in Denise’s name. For more information and to make a donation, call 01508 481000 or click here.

RIP Denise, we will never forget you.