A group of donkeys in Somerset had to be rescued by The Donkey Sanctuary after a nearby river burst its banks and flooded the small holding where they lived. Mimi, Martha, Mabel, Aida, Pippin and Lily-Mae were unable to avoid the cascade of water flowing into their field in Wells and were forced to huddle on a small clearing which hadnt yet become submerged by floodwater.The flooding occurred as a result of Storm Chandra which hit the UK at the end of January. The donkeys owner contacted Somerset County Council for help and they notified The Donkey Sanctuary.HeartbreakingIn my 14 years workingwithinthe animalwelfaresector, Ihadntseen flooding like it.I would estimate that the site was 95 percent underwater, said senior donkey advisor Sarah Kenward who attended the scene.It was heartbreaking towitnessthe animalssurrounded bywater, withno means of escaping their situation.The constant rain had caused the donkeys stable areato flood; their bedding was floating on top of the water, and the only hardstanding the donkeys could access wasnearone trailer,with the stormy conditions bringing a tree down on another trailer.The donkeys in their flooded field.Contingency planExtra forage had been provided for the donkeys but they had continued to lose weight making them vulnerable to the cold wet weather conditions.April, one of the older donkeys, was in poor condition and it was decided that it was in her best interest to be put to sleep.Understanding the risks and developing a contingency plan based on your owncircumstances will help in times when urgent action is needed, added Sarah.Our Donkey Advice Centre and regionally based Donkey Welfare Advisers are able to provide friendly, practical advice and guidance to owners throughout Great Britain.New homeWith more wet weather forecast and a fuller understanding of the longer-term needs of the donkeys, it was agreed for the group to come into the care of The Donkey Sanctuary. Oncethey beendeemedfit to travel by Jamie Forrest, the charitys lead veterinary surgeon who attended the scene with Sarah, the donkeys were loaded onto transporter vehicles and driven toThe Donkey SanctuarysNew Arrivals Unit in Sidmouth, Devon.The donkeys are thriving in their new home and have had their hooves trimmed and been wormed. In the coming weekstheywill have dental treatment and vaccinations.They havealsobeen introduced tostraw feedand have a comprehensive balancer to ensure they have the vitamins and minerals they need toimprove theircondition.The whole situation was incredibly sad but thanks to ouramazing teams, it was so rewarding to bring the donkeys to the sanctuary, to safety, and help them on their journey to find new forever home, said Sarah.The donkeys are going from strength to strength in their new home.Images The Donkey Sanctuary.More contentDonkeys delight readers in WalesEscapee donkeys rehomed by donkey charityCharity grows its donkey family with three new arrivalsThe post Storm survivors: donkeys rescued from flooded field appeared first on Your Horse.