Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary | Enjoying the golden years

One ‘little granny’ has a new lease on life, thanks to Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary.  When the sanctuary was called to visit a badly neglected donkey earlier this year, they discovered 20-year old ‘Oumatjie’.   All alone in a small bare space with no shelter from the blazing sun, her coat was matted and dirty, and she only had mouldy hay and dirty water to keep her alive. 

The sad reality in SA is that these humble animals are so often forgotten and treated cruelly.  Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary near McGregor helps these vulnerable animals to enjoy the best years of their lives in retirement by providing a permanent home to aged, neglected and destitute donkeys.

After approaching the owner to sign Oumatjie over to the Sanctuary, the team had to cut the fence to get to her and encourage her into the horsebox.  At that moment she went straight over to the shade of the shelter in the reception camp to lie down, exhausted. 

After Oumatjie had her vet check and deworming at the Sanctuary, she adjusted to proper food and joined two other old donkeys – Popeye and Bella.  Today she is a confident and energetic donkey, who loves her three meals a day and attention from visitors.  

Thanks to Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary, Oumatjie and her donkey friends will be able to enjoy their golden years in peace.