Baby Donkey Named After Ricky Gervais Thrives in Sanctuary

A baby donkey is thriving at a sanctuary thanks to a generous six-figure gift from the comedian she's named after.

Gervais the foal was born on April 19 at Safe Haven for Donkeys' sanctuary in Israel, just months after comedian Ricky Gervais donated £100,000 to the Haywards Heath charity. The donation was part of £2.5 million the star gave to 22 animal charities over Christmas.

The tiny newborn earned her famous name as a tribute to the comedian's kindness. Now she's growing into a cheeky, curious youngster who's finding her place in the sanctuary.

"Gervais is growing in confidence every day and has become a much-loved little character at the sanctuary," said Andy Foxcroft, CEO of Safe Haven for Donkeys. "It has been lovely to see her go from a tiny newborn foal to a curious, cheeky youngster who is beginning to find her feet."

Her personality is already shining through. When a neighbouring farm recently donated fresh cucumbers to the sanctuary, most donkeys happily munched away. Gervais took a more cautious approach with just a tentative sniff and a small nibble.

Gervais lives at the sanctuary with her mother Deborah, who was rescued from the Negev desert while heavily pregnant. Sanctuary staff are carefully planning how to introduce the pair to the wider donkey herd.

Their first meeting didn't go as hoped. Some donkeys chased the mother and baby away, so the team decided to slow down and take a gentler approach based on advice from Dr. Anna Harrison, the charity's UK-based volunteer vet adviser.

Sunny's Take

There's something beautiful about watching new life flourish in a place built on compassion. Gervais represents more than just one baby donkey finding safety. She's a living reminder of how generosity creates ripples of good that spread far beyond the initial act.

"Their safety and wellbeing comes first, so the team is following veterinary guidance and giving them time to build relationships with the other donkeys at a pace that feels right," Foxcroft explained. "After everything Deborah went through before she was rescued, it is wonderful to see her and Gervais safe, cared for and settling into sanctuary life."

Safe Haven for Donkeys operates across Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, and parts of Egypt. The organization provides essential care for donkeys who have been neglected or left without veterinary support.

One comedian's Christmas generosity has given a rescued mother and her baby a second chance at life.