Every day, Princesse and our oldest donkeys rely on the main barn to keep them safe.
After everything we’ve done to protect it from flooding, we’ve discovered something we never expected… We first noticed tiny piles of what looked like sawdust collecting in the cobwebs, along with areas of wood that appeared to have been chewed away.
The main barn is the heart of HeeHaws. Not only is it where we store our hay and feed, but it’s also where our oldest donkeys spend much of their time. It’s where our wonderful volunteers meet to collect the tools they need to care for the donkeys and maintain the sanctuary.
Princesse, who is now almost completely blind, rarely ventures out into the paddocks anymore. The barn is her safe place, so it’s vital that we keep it secure, clean and safe for her and her friends.
We called in an expert to inspect the building and, to our horror, discovered that the barn is literally being eaten away by Capricorn beetles 🪲(Hylotrupes Bajulus) We also have ants causing damage, producing the tiny piles of sawdust we first noticed.
The beetles are destroying the timber, and sadly they’re doing a very good job of damaging our donkeys’ home.
The repairs will be extensive and, unfortunately, very expensive.
This simply isn’t something we can ignore. It’s also quite urgent, as some of the supporting beams have already been affected. Until the damaged wood has been cleaned and inspected properly, we won’t know how many beams will need replacing or reinforcing to make the barn safe again.
This is a huge blow for us and an enormous strain on our finances. If you’re able to help in any way, no matter how small, please consider making a donation. Every contribution will help us protect the home of our precious old donkeys, and we would be incredibly grateful for your support. ❤️
