With the recent death of Dr. Elizabeth Svendsen, the world has lost a truly great friend to all animals and donkeys in particular.
Dr. Svendsen started The Donkey Sanctuary in Sidmouth, Devon, England forty years ago and in that time the organization has admitted and cared for over 14,500 donkeys. The Sanctuary is a model for all such operations both for its domestic work and for the extensive help that it has given to working donkeys worldwide. Dr. Svendsen was always at the heart of The Donkey Sanctuary and, until her retirement a few years ago, she was the driving force behind all of its accomplishments.
For my part, I contacted Dr. Svendsen for the first time in 1991 when I enquired about what might be involved with starting and operating a donkey sanctuary here in Canada. At that time, and over the years, she was always helpful and encouraging. Much of what The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is today is owed to Dr. Svendsen and her staff and the marvelous example that they have set.
Dr. Svendsen has left an outstanding legacy to the world and she will be missed for years to come. With deepest sympathy to her family and to her colleagues.
Sandra Pady, Executive Director
The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada 
I did not know Elizabeth had died; this is indeed a terrible loss. May she rest in peace.