The Donkey Sanctuary is a global organization that works in almost 40 countries, collaborating with intergovernmental organizations, international institutions, governments and like-minded parties to advance welfare standards for working donkeys and mules through legislation, policy and good practices. The charity reached more than 1.6 million donkeys and mules in 2019 through programmes in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas and Australasia. The charity's aim is always to help many more of the estimated 50 million donkeys and mules worldwide through field projects, research and advocacy work promoting lasting collaborations with communities, governments, the media and other NGOs. The Donkey Sanctuary is a UK-based charity which was founded by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen and her legacy is the international animal welfare charity of today.