THE Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary has announced the death of its special pony Deliah, the oldest at the Sanctuary, aged 34.

Delilah sadly passed away on Saturday (February 11), surrounded by her herd friends and the farm team.

Arriving in Wroxall in the early 2000s after being abandoned by her previous owners, she worked as a carriage-driving pony.

In 2010, Delilah was put on loan to the Gates family, who cared for her alongside their family horse, Aqua, for over ten years.

Delilah arrived back at the Sanctuary a few years ago, followed by Mel and Katie Gates, who had cared for her previously.

Quickly making friends with Daisy pony, Billy Boy, Murphy and Frosty, she enjoyed her remaining years living with a mixed herd.

Posting on its Facebook page, the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary said: “Delilah loved fuss and attention and was a very vocal pony who always let you know when it was food time.

“Our team gave her the best care, and Katie told them all just how special Delilah was.

“Delilah passed surrounded by her herd friends and the farm team that loved her. RIP Delilah.”