They arrived starving, injured and abandoned. Today they graze freely among more than 140 animals given a second chance at the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary near De Rust.

“Every animal who arrives at the sanctuary has endured hardship of some kind,” said Jonno Sherwin, founder and CEO of the sanctuary. “Our mission is to provide lifelong care, dignity and safety to animals who have nowhere else to go. These stories remind us why that work is so important.”

Cloud Dancer and Munchkin: a mother’s fight to survive

One of the sanctuary’s most memorable rescues involved Cloud Dancer, an emaciated mare, and her week-old foal, Munchkin, discovered being dragged along a national road in a rural Karoo town during one of the worst droughts in the region.

Weak from starvation, severely dehydrated and exhausted, both mother and foal were fighting for survival. Despite her own desperate condition, Cloud Dancer never stopped caring for her newborn.

After their rescue, the pair received intensive veterinary treatment, specialised nutrition and around-the-clock monitoring. Cloud Dancer slowly regained her strength while Munchkin blossomed into a healthy, energetic young donkey.

Today, mother and daughter live together at the sanctuary, enjoying open paddocks, nutritious food and the security of lifelong care.

Rebekka: a lifetime of labour ends in peace

Another rescue that deeply moved the sanctuary team was Rebekka, an elderly mule found wandering the streets of a small Karoo town in search of water.

Partially blind, dehydrated and lame, Rebekka bore the visible scars of a lifetime spent pulling heavy carts under harsh conditions. Deep wounds and extensive scar tissue across her shoulders and hindquarters told the story of years of ill-fitting harnesses, relentless labour and physical abuse.

The sanctuary transported her to safety where she received veterinary care, proper nutrition and, perhaps most importantly, the opportunity to rest.

“Animals like Rebekka remind us that every life has value, regardless of age or condition,” said Sherwin. “She deserved dignity and kindness in her later years, and that is exactly what she has found here.”

Today she spends her days grazing and resting, surrounded by caregivers and fellow rescued animals.

Public support makes it possible

The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary currently cares for more than 140 rescued donkeys, along with horses, cattle and other farm animals that have suffered neglect, abuse, abandonment or exploitation. As Africa’s largest and only internationally verified equine sanctuary, the organisation also leads national advocacy efforts to protect donkeys and end the donkey skin trade.

“Every rescue is only possible because of the generosity of our donors, sponsors and volunteers,” said Sherwin. “These success stories belong not only to the animals, but to every person who chooses to stand alongside us.”

How to help

The sanctuary can be supported through monthly virtual adoptions, once-off donations, sponsorships or volunteering. To virtually adopt Cloud Dancer, Munchkin or Rebekka, email fund@karoodonkey.org.

Visit Karoo Donkey Sanctuary for bank details.

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