South Africa Cried for WIlbur…Wait Until You See Him Now!

Photo Credit: Cape of Good Hope SPCA

Four men rode and whipped him as he struggled under the pressure of carrying them. It was filmed, shared online, and the video went viral. The SPCA stepped in. This story is about the heart-warming turn Wilbur the donkey’s life has taken since.

Western Cape, South Africa (09 July 2026) – The story started with outrage. Video footage of four adult men riding a donkey went viral. It was heartbreaking to watch. They whipped him and forced him to pick up the speed when his small body was already under immense strain.

The Cape of Good Hope SPCA launched a criminal investigation, as the viral video sparked widespread public outrage and concern for the welfare of Wilbur, as he is now called.

The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary stepped in to assist with the investigation, and with witness information, the alleged offender was tracked down. As the case unfolded, further complaints surfaced, alleging that Wilbur was the subject of repeated abuse by his owner over time.

The SPCA pursued the case, but the owner made multiple attempts to conceal Wilbur before they could seize him. This lead to the combined efforts of Atlantis SAPS, the City of Cape Town Law Enforcement Animal Control Auxiliary Unit and the SPCA, who worked together to arrest the owner for concealing the animal. The next day, the donkey was voluntarily handed over to Inspectors by the owner’s family.

Currently, the investigation into the allegations of animal cruelty remains ongoing, and further charges in terms of the Animals Protection Act are expected to follow, the SPCA shares.

But for now, the happy part of this story is about Wilbur, who after weeks in the Cape of Good Hope SPCA’s care, has found true happiness.

“You saw the video. You felt the outrage. Now feel this.” the Cape of Good Hope SPCA shared, breaking the good news.

“Wilbur arrived at the Cape of Good Hope SPCA after footage of four adults riding him at once went viral. In our care, he was found to have a painful pedal bone rotation, a serious hoof condition that likely made every step hurt. He was seen by a farrier. He received proper feed, warm shelter, veterinary care, gentle handling, patience and time.”

And then came the happiest moment. Wilbur kicked up his heels and ran.

“No whip. No shouting. No weight on his back…He ran for the pure joy of it.”

He began to show his carers signs that he was ready for company. The SPCA has since helped him move to his new farm in Citrusdal, with the Stekhoven family who put up their hands and opened their hearts.

The video of his first moments on the new farm had us blubbering.

“Wilbur steps onto his new farm in Citrusdal. He stands still, taking it all in. Across the field, one of his new companions lifts his head and starts walking towards him. Then comes the nuzzle. The kind that says, ‘You’re safe here.’ Just like that, Wilbur was home.”

While justice must still be served, Wilbur now has space to wander alongside his two donkey friends on a beautiful farm, where the only thing he will ever carry again is joy, the SPCA shares.