The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary in De Rust is facing an escalating animal welfare emergency as a devastating drought continues to grip large parts of South Africa’s Karoo region.
As of February 2026, the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), under the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), has officially declared the drought affecting the Western Cape, Eastern Cape, and Northern Cape a national disaster. Regions within the Karoo are among the hardest hit.
“At the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, the impact is dire,” says Jonno Sherwin, founder and CEO of Karoo Donkey Sanctuary. “The sanctuary is responsible for the care of 138 rescued donkeys, 38 rescued horses, and more than 250 rescued farm animals.”
No grazing left
With no grazing left, dam levels below 10%, and temperatures reaching up to 40°C, the animals are now entirely dependent on brought-in feed and water for survival.
“There is not a blade of grass left and not a drop of rain in sight,” says Sherwin. “The land is bare, the heat is relentless, and our animals are relying on us completely to get through this.”
The drought began more than three months ago. Since then, the sanctuary has been purchasing feed and water daily to keep animals fed and hydrated. However, funds are rapidly running out, placing the sanctuary at risk of being unable to meet basic needs in the coming weeks.
The sanctuary has identified several urgent priorities to ensure continued care: Brought-in fodder and feed costing approximately R120 000 per month; five essential 20 000-litre water storage tanks, each costing around R45 000; and a water bowser and trailer to deliver water to outlying camps, estimated at R65 000.
Without immediate support, we cannot continue to meet the needs of the animals in our care.
The urgency of the situation was underscored just two weeks ago when the sanctuary rescued Cloud Dancer, a mare, and her one-week-old foal, Munchkin. The pair were found emaciated and dehydrated, being pulled along a national road in the blistering Karoo heat. They are now safe at the sanctuary, but like many others, their survival depends on sustained access to food and water.
“Rescue is only the first step,” Sherwin said. “Love and care must be matched with resources. Without immediate support, we cannot continue to meet the needs of the animals in our care.”
The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is appealing to the public, donors, and corporate partners for emergency assistance to help secure feed and water during this ongoing drought. “Every contribution helps provide water in a trough, food in an empty stomach, and hope in an increasingly desperate situation,” says Sherwin.
For more information contact fund@karoodonkey.org or visit their Facebook page at “Karoo Donkey Sanctuary”.
