Adopt Esther

Rescued at just two months old, a truly special little donkey who became a national symbol of hope after the Amersham rescue.

Location: Caldecott, Norfolk

Height: 9.3hh

Breed: Donkey

Colour: Brown

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Adopt Esther today for as little as £2 a month (via Direct Debit) or a one off payment from just £15.

Who is the adoption for?

Hi there, I'm Esther!

I live in the big donkey herd at Redwings Caldecott and love to meet my visitors. My life didn't start off so blissfully however; I was the youngest survivor of the Amersham rescue in 2008, one of the largest cases of animal neglect the UK had ever seen at that time.

I was just two months old when rescuers discovered me and over 100 horses, ponies and donkeys living in appalling conditions at Spindle Farm in Amersham. Sadly, many of my friends had already passed away. My poor mum Martha was so thin she couldn't even produce enough milk to feed me. I was taken to Redwings but was so weak I had to be carried off the horsebox. When news broke of the rescue, people around the country wanted to help and I became the face of a national fundraising campaign and a symbol of hope for the recovery of all the animals affected. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, me and my mum made a full recovery.

While I can still be a little shy because of my experiences, I absolutely adore a cuddle and will often cheekily ask for a bottom scratch - my favourite!

Adopt Esther today for as little as £2 a month (via Direct Debit) or a one off payment from just £15.

Who is the adoption for?

"I remember the day Esther arrived; she was so weak she could barely stand. To see her enjoying her life now in her paddock at Redwings Caldecott, surrounded by her long-eared friends and enjoying cuddles from her loving supporters, makes me very proud."

Redwings Chief Executive, Lynn Cutress

Receive a wonderful adoption pack

Sponsor a horse or donkey from as little as £2 a month via direct debit or make a one-off donation and you’ll receive a wonderful adoption pack.

What’s included

Three postal updates a year from your new friend including one at Christmas!
Your Adoption Star’s photo and rescue story
Quarterly email updates with photos from your Adoption Star Friend
An invitation to their birthday party – yes really!
A certificate of adoption
A factsheet all about your chosen animal
A bookmark featuring your Adoption Star

You will also receive our twice-yearly newsletter or children’s magazine so you can keep up with all the latest news from Redwings!

How adoption works

1. Pick a horse or donkey to sponsor

Whether you’re a fan of a good sing-song or love nothing more than snooze, find your perfect Adoption Star partner for yourself or your loved one!

2. Set up your adoption

For gift adoptions we will need to get a few extra details to know who to send adoption star updates too.

3. Receive your adoption star pack

Your wonderful adoption pack includes a special certificate, stunning photo of your new friend and their story.

4. Get regular updates

We'll keep you up to date on how you're supporting our vital work including sending your adoption star updates with photos and stories throughout the year.

Adoption scheme FAQs

We aim to send your pack as quickly as possible and you can usually expect it to arrive within five working days. However, delivery can take up to 21 days, especially in busy times, so please be patient.

You can renew your adoption here or call our supporter engagement team on 01508 505246.

The majority of our adoption stars all live at one of our visitor centres around the UK.

Opening times vary, you can find all the details here. Entry is free of charge and as part of your adoption package you'll receive an invite to their birthday party at the centre where they live - yes really!

Monarch is a 'special adoption' who currently lives at a closed site but we hope you'll be able to visit him in the not too distant future when he's had a bit more training!

Adopt one of Esther's friends

Fox

Noah

Lily

Adopt Esther

Hi there, I'm Esther!

I live in the big donkey herd at Redwings Caldecott and love to meet my visitors. My life didn't start off so blissfully however; I was the youngest survivor of the Amersham rescue in 2008, one of the largest cases of animal neglect the UK had ever seen at that time.

Redwings Chief Executive, Lynn Cutress

Receive a wonderful adoption pack

How adoption works

1. Pick a horse or donkey to sponsor

2. Set up your adoption

3. Receive your adoption star pack

4. Get regular updates

Adoption scheme FAQs

Adopt one of Esther's friends

Fox

Noah

Lily

Welfare is at the heart of everything we do

Adopt Esther

Hi there, I'm Esther!

I live in the big donkey herd at Redwings Caldecott and love to meet my visitors. My life didn't start off so blissfully however; I was the youngest survivor of the Amersham rescue in 2008, one of the largest cases of animal neglect the UK had ever seen at that time.

Redwings Chief Executive, Lynn Cutress

Receive a wonderful adoption pack

How adoption works

1. Pick a horse or donkey to sponsor

2. Set up your adoption

3. Receive your adoption star pack

4. Get regular updates

Adoption scheme FAQs

When will I receive my adoption pack?

How do I renew my adoption?

How do I visit my adoption friend?

Adopt one of Esther's friends

Fox

Noah

Lily

Fox

Noah

Lily

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Welfare is at the heart of everything we do