Born in 1989, Bolivar was a handsome Standard pinto donkey.
During the years before he was brought to the Sanctuary, Bolivar was the stud on a donkey breeding farm. Eventually, due to the owner’s illness, the farm had to be sold and Bolivar, along with 11 other donkeys, was slated to be taken to an equine auction.
When Sandra Pady, who lived nearby, was told of the probable fate of these animals (ie. that they would be sold to the slaughterhouse representative if no other interested buyer was in attendance at the time of the auction), she arranged to have them brought to her farm. Subsequently, other donkeys in need were taken in and, within a year (1992), the Sanctuary was established as a not for profit charity.
Since no animals are bought, sold or bred at The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada, jack stallions like Bolivar are gelded after their admission. As a result, all of the equines at the Farm are able to live together in herds and to graze around the fields in the small groups that they prefer.
Bolivar was a very gentle creature and he could be easily frightened. On Open Days, he preferred to greet visitors over the fence, rather than mingling with them in the barnyard.