[dc]Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary based in McGregor is having its Spring Book Fair on the 7th and 8th October to raise much-needed funds to keep the sanctuary open.[/dc]

The organization has been saving abused donkeys for nearly 10 years. Some of the worst cases they’ve seen are where donkeys arrive “pitifully thin, weak and covered in ticks”. They also see see a lot of hoof and skin problems. Right now they have 21 of the animals, but they have successfully re-homed many.

Run by Dr Johan & Annemarie van Zijl it started when they received a request from the SPCA to take in two donkeys that had been badly neglected.

Singer and musical creator/director David Kramer is their biggest patron. “David is a South African icon who symbolizes good unpretentious values and the importance of humility and being true to your roots,” says Annemarie.

Around the world donkeys are essential to so many people’s lives and yet are often abused.

But in McGregor at least they are given a chance. Once their health issues are attended to, they’re let loose on a pasture where the public comes to visit them, offering carrots, and learning more about the animals.

The sanctuary is mainly funded by the public with non-profit organisation and public benefit organisation status. The public can adopt a donkey or donate to the sanctuary.

The sanctuary itself features a restaurant, guided walks, interactions and even a memorial cairn which is a quiet area where visitors may place a stone in memory of departed loved ones, animal or human. The memorial is one of Annemarie’s favorite parts of the sanctuary, and she explains that “it has even expanded, becoming a popular spot for contemplation, and now people from all over are putting stones with names on it there.”

• For more, see the website: www.donkeysanctuary.co.za