In 2001, McGregor village in the Western Cape, South Africa, witnessed the compassionate response of Dr Johan & Annemarie van Zijl to a plea from the SPCA. The request sought shelter for two severely neglected donkeys, Vaal and Japie, with “vaaljapie” meaning everyday wine in Afrikaans. This marked the humble beginnings of the Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary, conceived as a haven for abused and abandoned donkeys.
What commenced as a pilot project with Vaal and Japie soon evolved into a heartfelt mission to provide sustenance, water, shelter, and care to numerous donkeys in dire need. Although space constraints and limited resources initially prevented the Sanctuary from accommodating all the abused and elderly donkeys, foster homes were secured for these deserving animals.
In April 2007, Adam, Ida, and Thabo joined the sanctuary, representing a growing community of rescued donkeys from various regions, including Zoar, Somerset West, Cape Town, Wellington, and Atlantis. The official opening in November 2007, graced by David Kramer, the Sanctuary’s Patron, marked a pivotal moment in the public commitment to donkey welfare.
Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary’s core commitment is to provide a permanent home and compassionate care for destitute donkeys. With more than thirty donkeys cared for at the Sanctuary and additional placements in approved foster homes, each donkey undergoes regular check-ups, grooming, and medical attention. The facility is managed meticulously, ensuring cleanliness, proper nutrition, and humane treatment.
The Sanctuary’s mission goes beyond direct care, aiming to promote the welfare of all donkeys by advocating best practices, engaging with owners and animal carers, networking with organizations, and actively participating in relevant advocacy and lobbying efforts. In addition to its McGregor-based Sanctuary, Eseltjiesrus aims to support donkey initiatives throughout South Africa.
A fundamental aspect of the Sanctuary’s vision is to elevate the status of donkeys, fostering recognition of their inherent worthiness. This involves widespread public education through media, events, workshops, and direct contact supervised by trained staff. Collaborative efforts with other organizations, sanctuaries, and agencies further amplify the message of donkey welfare and status. Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary stands as a beacon of compassion and advocacy, embodying the unwavering commitment to the well-being of these remarkable creatures.