Urgent appeal: Help the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary amid devastating drought
The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary has been hardest hit following a local drought in the region.
Image: Supplied
The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is grappling with a devastating animal welfare crisis as a drought continues to cripple large parts of the Karoo region. The National Disaster Management Centre has declared the situation a national disaster affecting the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape, with the Karoo being one of the most affected areas.
“At the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, the impact is dire,” said Jonno Sherwin, Founder and CEO of the sanctuary. “We are responsible for the care of 138 rescued donkeys, 38 rescued horses, and over 250 other farm animals. With the drought leaving no grazing land and dam levels plummeting below 10%, our animals are entirely reliant on us to provide their water and feed.”
The situation has escalated to a critical level as temperatures rise to 40 degrees. “There is not a blade of grass left and not a drop of rain in sight. The land is bare, the heat is relentless, and our animals are relying on us completely to get through this,” Sherwin said.
The drought began over three months ago, ushering in a daily struggle for survival as the sanctuary has been forced to purchase feed and water to sustain its animals. Unfortunately, the financial resources are depleting quickly, raising alarms about the sanctity of continued care for these rescued creatures.
The urgency for assistance has prompted the sanctuary to identify several critical needs that must be met to ensure the welfare of its animals. These include:
- Brought-in fodder and feed, costing approximately R120,000 per month
- Five essential 20,000-litre water storage tanks, at around R45,000 each
- A water bowser and trailer for water delivery to outlying camps, estimated to cost R65,000
The need for immediate help was further underscored with the recent rescue of Cloud Dancer, a mare, and her one-week-old foal, Munchkin, who were discovered emaciated and dehydrated on a national road. “Rescue is only the first step,” highlights Sherwin. “Love and care must be matched with resources. Without immediate support, we cannot continue to meet the needs of the animals in our care.”
In light of these challenges, the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is appealing for donations from the public, donors, and corporate partners. Every bit of help counts in securing the necessary food and water during this ongoing drought.
Donations can be made to the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary at:
- Standard Bank,
- Tyger Manor Branch 05 04 10,
- Account Number: 300 874 049,
- SWIFT: SBZAZAJJ, using the reference “Drought + Donor Name.”
- Additionally, contributions can be made online via PayFast at https://payf.st/9lduw.
For further information, please contact [email protected]