Thursday 6th of November 2025
Charity

Cheer on Donkey Duo at Special Birthday Party

SONY DSC

Wacko and Wiggins

As the country prepares to cheer on Sir Bradley Wiggins at this year’s Rio Olympics, visitors to Redwings Horse Sanctuary’s Aylsham Visitor Centre are also being invited to cheer on two special donkeys at their birthday party this summer.

rsz_93bb01af78396cd2_org

Wacko

SONY DSC

Wiggins

 

Outgoing and mischievous Wiggins was named in honour of Sir Bradley Wiggins having arrived at Redwings shortly after the athlete cycled to victory at the London Olympics in 2012. Poor Wiggins was taken in by the charity, which cares for 1,500 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules at centres across the UK, after being discovered abandoned. 

At the same time, the owner of a donkey called Wacko contacted Redwings asking for urgent help in finding him a new home after the livery yard he had been living at closed down. The two lonely donkeys were brought together by Redwings and struck gold by finding friendship in each other.

The inseparable duo proved such a hit with visitors that they quickly joined the charity’s Adoption Club, which allows supporters to sponsor an Adoption Star resident for just £12.50 a year, with every penny going directly towards their daily care and that of their friends.

Supporters can visit their Adoption Star for free during any open day at the centre where they live and receive updates on their four-legged friend’s progress. They’re even invited to celebrate their new friend’s birthday with a party where supporters can join in the fun and festivities, while their Adoption Star tucks into a specially made cake, just for them!

Wiggins and Wacko, who can be adopted jointly, will be celebrating their 12th birthday with a party at Redwings Aylsham, north of Norwich, on Sunday 12th June at 11am

Gemma Walpole, Redwings’ Head of Fundraising, said:

“Having been lonely for so long, Wiggins and Wacko have flourished into lovable and mischievous donkeys since finding friendship in each other. We hope as many people as possible will be able to come along and cheer them on, just like Wiggins’ namesake!”     

And if partying with such a fun pair wasn’t enough, Redwings Aylsham’s other resident Adoption Stars will also be celebrating their birthdays this summer, including:

Beautiful ‘Black Beauty’ horse Maya on Sunday 15th May
Cheeky Miniature Shetland ponies The Gangsters on Sunday 24th July
Handsome thoroughbred cross horse Gulliver on Sunday 28th August
Redwings Aylsham also provides a safe and happy home to 50 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules who would love a cuddle too!

Wiggins and Wacko’s birthday party will take place on Sunday 12th June at 11am. Join in the celebrations at Redwings Aylsham, Spa Lane, Aylsham, Norfolk NR11 6UE. For more information about the Adoption Club or to sponsor a Redwings Adoption Star, visit www.redwings.org.uk/adopting

 

You may also like…

Join us on Facebook




Follow on Twitter