Come and visit the donkeys

We live in a very fragmented world. It takes guts and effort to find pockets of peace, love and kindness - but they do exist.


One such a haven is Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary near McGregor in the Western Cape, a mere two hours drive from the bustling Cape Town metro. Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary has grown to encompass much more than the mere love and care for donkeys. The Sanctuary is a beacon of hope - stimulating compassion, gentleness and caring. It is a tranquil haven, a place of healing for the broken-spirited, both donkey and human.


The first donkeys - In 2000 Johan and Annemarie van Zijl retired to McGregor to “sit on the stoep and drink coffee while solving crossword puzzles.” Annemarie’s resident horse was soon noticed by the local SPCA who approached her to provide refuge to two working donkeys. They came from a local brick factory where they walked, blindfolded, endlessly in circles in the blazing sun, turning a paddle to mix clay and straw that was then shaped into bricks to dry in the sun.“Why not,” said Johan, “we have a horse, donkeys can’t be much different. We have a very large garden so bring them along” and the two bedraggled creatures took up residence at the van Zijls’ property. They were named Vaal and Japie – “vaaljapie” is the colloquial name for cheap white wine, and also the trademark of the legendary grey tractor – an apt likeness for the working pair.


Donkeys are not little horses - Very soon they taught their new owners that donkeys are not little horses with long ears! Apart from some physiological differences, their humility makes a deep and lasting impression on all who meet them. Donkeys are grateful for every kindness shown and stoically accept whatever life throws at them.Soon locals noticed the two new long-eared residents in the village and brought their visitors to meet them. ”My grandchild has never touched a donkey” was a common reason to interact. In addition, visitors to McGregor reported more donkeys in need, with heart-felt requests to “please do something to rescue them”.


Development - Gradually the concept of a retirement home for working donkeys took shape. Extensive research was done, not least about sustainable funding, and after years of planning land was rented, the concept “Eseltjiesrus” was registered as a charity, and the first rescued donkeys arrived. The learning curve was steep. Feeding routines, hoof care and regular removal of manure were initially all performed by the van Zijls. Gradually local village residents were trained to assist with necessary tasks – a bonus in this agricultural area where work is very seasonal. Intensive fundraising created a solid financial base and after five years the sanctuary could purchase “A home of our own” for their resident donkeys, with the support of a bond. A total of 55 donkeys have entered the portals of this sanctuary and sadly 25 have been gently laid to rest over the years. In addition a few are cared for in approved foster homes, to ensure that there will always be room for “donkeys on crutches” at the sanctuary. Welfare enquiries are attended to and guidance about best practice is freely given to owners who wish to give their donkeys the highest possible level of care.


Professional attention - In a landmark development, Eseltjiesrus has been invited to present guest lectures to the students at the renowned Onderstepoort Veterinary Faculty at the University of Pretoria. Donkeys received scant attention in the curricula and these lectures equip prospective veterinarians with knowledge about the challenges that exist in the deep rural areas, where many communities still rely on their working donkeys for subsistence farming and transport.


Each donkey has its own unique character and story - Alphonse was very intuitive and identified visitors with emotional suffering, Alice has a bubbly and loving personality and enjoys leisurely cuddles particularly from elderly visitors, Spokie was so thin that the vet who first saw her joked that he would fax her to the sanctuary, and sweet Sonop took his fate into his own hooves and made sure he complied with all the veterinary protocols to complete an arduous journey to the sanctuary. Each one is loved and treated as an individual, to ensure a stress-free retirement and when the time comes, a dignified passing, surrounded by its friends and people who care.


A Culture of Caring - The motto of the sanctuary is “A Culture of Caring” – for all living creatures and the environment. Visits by schools are encouraged, with age-appropriate activities and, of course, learning about the sentience of donkeys and all creatures. After a visit by a group of youngsters from a severely dysfunctional community, the accompanying social worker wrote “Thank you so much for an unforgettable morning! It was so special to witness such beauty - the beauty and tranquillity of your farm, your staff and the donkeys. To be in an environment of love and safety is something these children rarely experience. Their lives are filled with fears - how else if you live in a community characterized by almost all the social evils of this world.”


Adoption programme: The sanctuary’s operational costs are high, to ensure only the best for each animal and each visitor. The adoption programme supports part of the cost of caring for a donkey resident at the sanctuary. The system ensures that supporters build up a close and meaningful relationship with a particular donkey, through regular reports and newsletters. The festive season is upon us. A donkey adoption is a unique and lasting gift, particularly for loved ones far away. It gives an “anchor” in the South African countryside, underpinning the compassion that exists for this often forgotten species. The recipient of an adoption receives a personalised adoption certificate, photograph, and history of the chosen donkey and six-monthly reports, as well as a quarterly newsletter. And of course visits to the sanctuary are always welcomed. Contact: Adopt@donkeysanctuary.co.za There is no prescribed donation amount for an adoption, and Section 18A tax certificates are issued.


Visits - The Sanctuary is open to the public from Thursdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm. There is no admission charge, but donations are appreciated. Groups are welcome by arrangement. In addition to meeting the donkeys with the assistance of trained guides, visitors can enjoy a coffee at the shop, a donkey-themed shop, book sales, and peaceful areas to relax and unwind. Contact: info@donkeysanctuary.co.za