The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is celebrating today after receiving international accreditation from the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
Prince Albert, South Africa (14 February 2023) – The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is situated on a plot of about 18 hectares, in the shadows of the Swartberg Mountains. It is just two kilometres outside Prince Albert. Jonno Sherwin and his partner Dr Johan Hugo bought the land in 2012 after falling in love with the area during a 2008 visit.
They put a few animals on the land including some ostriches and Nguni cows. Jonno then started rescuing donkeys from appalling situations. The donkeys came from the Northern and Western Cape. Many were also rescued from the horrific skin trade. To round the sanctuary out, pigs and chickens were added. Jonno and Johan name every rescue so each can be identified.
Today they have saved hundreds of donkeys. Now, the sanctuary is celebrating a massive achievement. They have been awarded the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) Verification. This is an international accreditation for sanctuaries.
“After 12 months of due diligence focussed around rigorous peer-reviewed animal care standards covering the areas of ethics, governance, best care practices, facility adherence, staffing, financial management, integrity, record keeping, management team aptitude, education, outreach, stewardship, professionalism, leadership, integrity, excellence, safety policies, protocols, and training to name a few – that culminated in an intensive site visit back in November last year – we did it folks!!!”
“This is a massive achievement for me personally in my crusade as an animal rights activist as well as for the KDS management team. We could not have asked for a higher global accolade of recognition of our service to all the magical animals in our care as well as all the precious souls out there whose lives we have yet to touch.
GFAS’ Mission is to accredit and recognize true sanctuaries and rescue centres, support them to achieve the highest Standards of Excellence, promote collaboration and raise awareness of their work.
Our GFAS Verified status provides a clear and trusted means for the public and donors to recognize the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary as an exceptional animal rescue organization. It ratifies our mission, our work and our philosophy that all vulnerable and persecuted animals require true sanctuary and we could not be more proud!
A huge congrats to our amazing management and rehabilitation team. To Fran, Collings, Owen, Petro, Johan and Carol as well as to our support teams on the ground – you guys and girls truly ROCK!”
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