Most of the donkeys are elderly and are kept on the farm in order to be close to the veterinary hospital; some of the younger, fitter donkeys are re-homed through the foster scheme. The donkeys remain under the protection of the Donkey Sanctuary and regular home checks are made. Founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE, the Sanctuary has taken in more than 11,500 donkeys in the UK and Ireland, and also has major overseas projects in Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Kenya, Mexico and Spain. It aims to prevent the suffering of donkeys worldwide through the provision of high quality, professional advice, training and support on donkey welfare. Admission and parking are free, and the site is open 365 days a year, from 9am until dusk.