One Horse’s Rescue Sparked Hope

Photo Credit: Karoo Donkey Sanctuary

After 13 years of changing the lives of neglected and abandoned animals, the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is calling on the public to help it continue its lifesaving work.

South Africa (16 July 2026) – Mercy’s story could have ended very differently.

The beautiful rescue horse was found abandoned in the Great Karoo, left to fend for herself in the scorching summer heat with no food, no water and little chance of survival. Today, she’s healthy, safe and surrounded by love at the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary. This is a place that has become a lifeline for hundreds of animals just like her.

But now, the sanctuary that gave Mercy a second chance is asking South Africans for theirs.

For the past 13 years, founder Jonno has dedicated his life to rescuing neglected, abused and abandoned animals. What started with the rescue of just four donkeys has grown into Africa’s only Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)-accredited equine sanctuary, providing a forever home to more than 400 rescued animals.

The sanctuary has weathered drought, devastating floods and rising costs over the years, but says it is now facing one of the toughest financial challenges in its history.

Every day, hundreds of rescued animals depend on the sanctuary for food, veterinary care and safety.

“They simply trust us,” Jonno shared. “They trust that we’ll feed them, care for them when they’re sick and keep the promise we made on the day we rescued them.”

That promise has never been broken and the team hopes, with a little help from the public, it never will be.

Animal lovers can support the sanctuary by joining the newly launched Long Ears Club as a monthly donor, making a once-off contribution or simply sharing the campaign to help spread the word.