Flicka was a pony. A small strawberry roan pony who was rescued after being found abandoned on an industrial estate. Despite his tough start in life, however, Flicka was affectionate and loved people. He would teach young children to ride and always adored attention. Unfortunately, though, he developed liver cancer after a few years and sadly died. This pony may be no more but his name, memory and legacy lives on at The Flicka Foundation Donkey Sanctuary.
Flicka’s sanctuary in Penryn, not far from Falmouth, is home to more than 100 donkeys, ponies and horses all who, like the famous strawberry roan pony, have been rescued from abuse, neglect and abandonment. Founded by the late Mary Berryman in 1995, the sanctuary has for more than 25 years been welcoming visitors who don’t just want to meet these fabulous four-legged animals but who also want to help support the attraction’s rescue mission.
Visitors to Flicka are able to meet the donkeys and horses, although they are reminded that some of the animals have been mistreated in the past so they must be patient and wait for them to come close if they want to do so. Visitors can also learn about the important work that the sanctuary does, as well as wander the trail between the paddocks to watch the animals in their tranquil environment.
There’s a lovely café on site, as well as a gift shop sporting plenty of donkey-themed souvenirs. And there are a number of ‘donkey experiences’ which need to be booked ahead of your visit. It is free to visit Flicka but there are charges for these ‘experiences’, however they are worth signing up to as they include grooming and feeding the animals as well as mucking out their stables. Find out more on the Flicka website ahead of enjoying a really quite moving and wholly fulfilling day out at a sanctuary that cares for donkeys, ponies and horses who were once mistreated but are now unconditionally loved.