Comedian has a donkey named after him following £100k donation

Ricky Gervais has had a newborn donkey named after him, after donating £100,000 to a rescue charity.

The foal, a jenny, was born at a sanctuary in Israel run by Sussex-based charity Safe Haven For Donkeys on April 19.

Her mother, Deborah,  thought to be around two years old, was found abandoned in the Negev desert, southern Israel in September when she was around seven months pregnant.

The charity said: ‘The foal has been named Gervais, in honour of Ricky Gervais, whose incredibly generous donation of £100,000 last year is helping to fund our work. It feels a fitting tribute – a new life, made possible by kindness.

‘Both Deborah and little Gervais are doing wonderfully – safe, content and exactly where they’re meant to be at our sanctuary.’

Gervais and Deborah

Gervais, the comedian, donated a total of £2.5million to 22 animal charities at Christmas – with the money coming from the extra proceeds generated by the sale of premium or his tour shows.

The comic’s vodka brand Dutch Barn also donates 25 per cent of its profits to a separate charity,  The Donkey Sanctuary.

Set up in 2000, Safe Haven For Donkeys cares for working donkeys in Israel, the West Bank, Gaza and parts of Egypt. The sanctuary in Israel is providing care to around 180 unwanted and abused animals. 

The news  comes ahead of World Donkey Day tomorrow.

Published: 7 May 2026