A rare little gem has been born at the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary; his life saved thanks to Jonno and Johan taking in donkeys destined for slaughter.
Karoo, South Africa – The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is situated on a plot 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 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. The latest resident at the donkey sanctuary is Hope. Hope was born to a rescue donkey.
“Baby Hope’s genetics are extremely rare and this little man’s progress will be shared with the world in our ongoing efforts to raise awareness as to the genocidal tragedy unfolding and the staggering number of mares in foal that are going to slaughter on a daily basis in Africa to supply the gruesome donkey skins trade
Credible reports out of Kenya estimate that 27% of all the mares slaughtered and going to slaughter (in the government-sanctioned donkey slaughterhouses) are pregnant”.
Hope is just like his mother, Snow White, for which she was also named. The sanctuary is working hard to prevent the mares from heading to the slaughter while pregnant. They survive through the goodness of others and rely on donations to see them through. Saving this little white beauty means more for the species.
Currently, the sanctuary is in the grips of a drought. They received a little rain recently but not enough to get them through.
The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary welcomes visitors (R100 donation for adults, children under 15 free). Contact them on karoodonkeysantuary.org.za or via their Facebook page (Karoo Donkey Sanctuary). If you can offer a ‘forever home’ for donkeys or can donate money or feed, contact Jonno on love@karoodonkeysanctuary.org.za.