When three donkeys suddenly became stranded after a riverbank flooded, the SPCA and volunteers banded together to rescue them against the odds of strong currents and impending thunderstorms. It took days, but no donkey would be left behind.
Limpopo, South Africa (10 December 2025) – Polokwane SPCA answered the worried call of an owner in a panic last week. Three of his donkeys were stranded on a tiny island in the middle of the Olifants River. He couldn’t get to them with the strong current that had been flowing through.
“They were caught by surprise when the river flooded its banks and came down with very strong currents. We had to cut through the thick dense bush, to get to the riverbank to get sight of the donkeys. The island was approximately 50 meters from the riverbank. It may not be far, but a lot can go wrong in 50 metres.” shares SPCA Polokwane.
The donkeys had grass to munch on, but the situation was serious. Further rainfall would critically impact the rescue. As it stood, the team couldn’t cross the strong currents to reach them.
Days went by as rescuers hoped and prayed that water levels would drop. Eventually, they did, but only by one meter. Nevertheless, the team attempted to cross the strong current but quickly realised they needed help and a better plan.
“We called many institutions and facilities for assistance. But no one was prepared to assist, or didn’t have equipment to assist stranded animals. We contacted divers, and tried to organise a helicopter to airlift the donkeys to safe ground. We tried to purchase tyre tubes from a nearby tyre repair company, but they didn’t have any available. We settled for soccer balls from the nearest U-Save. Anything that could keep us afloat when we try to cross the river.”
The team ran through every option and landed on soccer balls. Still, the water was just too deep for them or the donkeys to safely cross over.
Thankfully, as all of this transpired, the island provided. In three days, it had grown three times its size. The donkeys were happily grazing through the abundance, totally oblivious to the danger they were in.
Then, thunderstorms were forecast.
At this point, everyone was waiting for a miracle. For the water levels to drop before the storm. By the following morning, levels were lower, but the current was still strong. With looming thunderstorms that would completely wash out the operation, the SPCA and volunteers decided to brave the risk.
“We couldn’t leave the donkeys. We arrived with manpower, tyre tubes, ropes, straps, our soccerballs, life jackets, halters, a plan and a determination.”
Four people crossed the river, attached to a rope they’d fastened to a tree. They waded carefully through rough waters and finally reached the island, where another tree became the second anchor point for the rope. This formed a secure line that rescuers could grasp onto, preventing them from being swept away.
Then came the actual rescue.
“That was the easy part. Now it was time to catch the donkeys, and put halters on them. You would think they would be grateful and come to us willingly. We even took bread across to persuade them that we had come to rescue them.After all our planning and effort, they decided to jump into the river and swim.”
Not part of the plan.
Now with the brazen donkeys free-paddling against the current, the team had to improvise. Luckily, there were still rescuers in the water holding onto the rope, and the rope stopped the donkeys from going downstream.
“With guidance from the guys on the ropes, all three swam across and managed to reach the riverbank safely. They immediately walked to higher ground, behind a fence, and we hope they remain behind the fence. What a relief for all of us.”
Over eight people, some of whom were volunteers who willingly offered their help, all worked against the current and the clock to bring three oblivious, champion-swimmer donkeys back to safety. People who overcame their fear of water just to get to the other side, and others who climbed trees and clung on for dear life to secure the safe line.
“Thank you so much to everyone who volunteered to help us this morning. Our chairperson, Johannes Vorster for swimming across, with volunteers, Ruben, Dawid, Thabile, and Field Officer Cassius. You guys were awesome. And the guys on the riverbank that pulled the rope, Trainee Inspector Karabo Rakgoale, and kennel hand Mosala, who also crossed the river to try catch the donkeys. He faced his fears to save the donkeys. For Inspector Zach, for climbing the tree and holding on for dear life, to tie the ropes and test the depth at various places, where he could reach. And for educating the owner on safe practice and animal welfare and safety.” shared the SPCA.
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