PETER WRIGHT TURNS 70 — THE YORKSHIRE VET CELEBRATES A LIFETIME OF CARING FOR ANIMALS

FROM THE YORKSHIRE FARMYARD TO TELEVISION SCREENS — PETER WRIGHT HAS SPENT DECADES TURNING HIS LOVE FOR ANIMALS INTO A LIFE OF COMPASSION AND CARE

A familiar face, a caring heart and a milestone worth celebrating — Peter Wright has turned 70.

For millions of viewers, Peter is best known as one of the much-loved faces of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet.

But behind the television cameras is a veterinary career built on something much bigger than fame: a lifelong dedication to animals and their welfare.

And one of the most special chapters of that journey has been his work with The Donkey Sanctuary.

 THE VET VIEWERS HAVE COME TO LOVE

Peter Wright became a familiar face to television audiences through The Yorkshire Vet, which follows the lives and work of veterinary surgeons caring for animals across North Yorkshire.

His career has also been closely connected with Skeldale Veterinary Centre, the practice made famous by veterinary writer James Herriot.

Over the years, viewers have seen Peter care for animals large and small, bringing the same calm approach and practical expertise to every case.

But his work has never stopped at the edge of the television screen.

A SPECIAL CONNECTION WITH DONKEYS

In 2019, Peter was officially announced as an ambassador for The Donkey Sanctuary, an international animal welfare charity dedicated to improving the lives of donkeys.

The role was a natural fit.

Peter had already visited the charity’s state-of-the-art donkey hospital in Devon in 2018 while filming Channel 5’s Help the Animals at Christmas.

During that visit, he assisted veterinary staff with an operation on a donkey named Poppy, helping remove a potentially life-threatening sarcoid.

That experience left a lasting impression on him.

Peter described becoming an ambassador as a great honour and praised the organisation for its work helping sick, neglected and abandoned donkeys.

 “THEY’RE SUCH DOCILE ANIMALS”

Peter has spoken warmly about his affection for donkeys and the unique character they have.

His work with The Donkey Sanctuary has allowed him to see another side of veterinary care — one involving animals that can often be overlooked despite playing an important role in communities around the world.

The charity’s work extends far beyond caring for donkeys in the UK.

It also supports welfare projects internationally, including work with communities where donkeys are essential working animals.

For Peter, that mission has provided another way to use his veterinary experience to make a difference.

 FROM THE DONKEY HOSPITAL TO TELEVISION SPECIALS

Peter’s connection with the charity has also been featured in several television projects.

In 2019, The Yorkshire Vet’s Donkey Day Out followed Peter as he travelled to London with friends and donkey enthusiasts before visiting a Donkey Sanctuary site in Devon.

He has also returned to the charity’s donkey hospital over the years to meet animals receiving specialist care and speak with the veterinary teams looking after them.

More recently, Peter visited the sanctuary to meet Champagne, a Poitou donkey recovering after suffering a painful eye condition.

He praised the veterinary team’s expertise and highlighted how carefully donkeys with vision problems need to be handled.

 A CAREER BUILT AROUND COMPASSION

Peter’s love of animals began long before television cameras followed him around Yorkshire.

In an interview with The Donkey Sanctuary, he recalled growing up surrounded by animals and developing a deep respect for them from an early age.

He has described how his experiences around farms helped shape his decision to pursue veterinary medicine.

That early connection with animals eventually became a career spanning decades.

And even after becoming a television favourite, Peter has continued using his public profile to raise awareness of animal welfare.

 HIS WORK REACHES FAR BEYOND YORKSHIRE

Peter’s involvement with animal welfare has not been limited to donkeys.

He has also supported conservation and animal welfare causes, using his experience as a vet to speak about the importance of protecting animals and improving their lives.

His role with The Donkey Sanctuary has given him an opportunity to highlight the challenges faced by working donkeys around the world.

In a 2024 message for the charity, Peter reflected on his years as its ambassador and described the position as one he was proud to hold.

 70 YEARS — AND A LIFE STILL FULL OF ANIMALS

Turning 70 is a milestone, but for Peter Wright it is also a reminder of just how much of his life has been spent caring for animals.

From rural Yorkshire practices to national television, from beloved pets to rescued donkeys, his career has taken him into countless homes, farms and animal-care facilities.

His television fame may have introduced him to millions of viewers.

But his work with animals is what has defined his professional life.

 A BIRTHDAY WORTH CELEBRATING

For fans of The Yorkshire Vet, Peter’s 70th birthday is more than simply another milestone.

It is an opportunity to celebrate a familiar face whose career has been built around knowledge, kindness and a genuine love of animals.

And for the donkeys he has helped along the way, his work has meant something even more important.

A voice.

An advocate.

And a veterinary professional willing to use his experience to help animals that cannot speak for themselves.

At 70, Peter Wright’s story is still closely connected to the creatures he has spent a lifetime caring for.

And there may be no better birthday tribute than that.

SOURCES

• The Donkey Sanctuary / Donkey Digest — Peter’s visit to the donkey hospital and work with Poppy.
• Your Horse — Peter’s visit to the sanctuary and meeting Champagne.
• What to Watch — The Yorkshire Vet’s Donkey Day Out featuring Peter Wright.