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EARS Donkey Sanctuary was started in 2010 by Jo Sedgwick.
Since then, EARS has grown to include donkey rescue and retirement, and the rehabilitation and medical care of the community’s horses.
Penny and her team of volunteers aim to educate equine owners about the proper care of these wondrous animals.
EARS Donkey Sanctuary is open for tours and visits by appointment.
You will be taken on a tour of the sanctuary to meet all the resident donkeys and hear their stories.
Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen.
EARS Donkey Sanctuary is home to a friendly group of donkey residents.
Genevieve was the first rescue donkey to call EARS home and the reason the sanctuary was started.
She suffered serious injuries after being hit in the face with an iron bar for stealing veggies.
Satchmo is Genevieve’s son. He arrived at the sanctuary with his mom but his owner took him back for a year. He was finally surrendered back after suffering spinal injuries in a battle with a stallion which meant he could not work. His melodic, loud bray earned him his name.
Lilli was confiscated on the Villliersdorp road in 2018 while pulling a heavily laden cart. She was in a terrible condition, near collapse, emaciated and scarred. She was rescued by her donkey friend, Tonio.
Tonio was confiscated with Lilli in 2018. He was covered in pustules from malnutrition, and parasites and had suffered multiple wounds. Today he and Lilli share a paddock and both greet feeding time with loud brays of happiness.
Pedro was turned out into the street when he got too old to work. At 40, he’s the sanctuary’s oldest resident. Although he is still very active, his treats need to be cut into small pieces because his teeth are worn.
Leila was a tiny foal when she was found on the side of the road with serious head injuries and partial blindness. Jellytot the Shetland pony helped her heal and the two are inseparable.
Henry first arrived for treatment with a nasty rope burn from being tethered in the mountains. His owner let him stay at the sanctuary. He has a sunny personality and loves being loves being cuddled.
Milo was rescued by the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, from a horror auction. He was an angry donkey and it took months for him to trust the team. Now he’s strong, confident and loves attention, a good brush and a carrot treat.
Simon is a character with a mind of his own. He chose to live at the sanctuary despite repeated attempts by his owner to entice him home, even breaking out of his yard until he got his way.
John was a working donkey who was neglected by his owner and abused by a group of children. It took months for him to heal and gain confidence. Since he was surrendered to the sanctuary he has lived peacefully with his best pal Hugo.
Hugo was rescued with John and though he was beaten and overworked, he did not suffer the same trauma as John did. He is a sunny, easygoing chap who enjoys having his ears rubbed and scratched by visitors.
Ned and Dobbin were very young when they were surrendered into the sanctuary’s care. They were in a shocking condition with terrible wounds on their hindquarters which took months to heal. The two are almost identical so it is presumed they are brothers. Dobbin is bigger and gentle but shy and difficult to handle. Neddy is gregarious and loves having his hindquarters scratched.
Ridley was treated for severe lacerations he got from barbed wire before finally moving to the sanctuary full-time. It took months for his wounds to heal but today he is healthy and hearty.
Max was used as a taxi between Genadendal and Greyton which took a terrible toll on his small body. He was offered shelter by Greytonians Jeanne and Brian Rae until he moved to the sanctuary.
Jellytot is the CEO of the paddocks on the farm and is besties with Leila.
EARS Donkey Sanctuary helps to place foster-care donkeys.
Ruth suffered serious dog bites to her legs and chest. She was nursed in Greyton and moved to the sanctuary where she gave birth to Anna, and has proved to be a gentle loving mom. She is a very beautiful donkey with a distinctive cross on her back. Ruth and Anna live in Franschhoek and are looking for a home.
Anna was the sanctuary’s first baby donkey, born in November 2012. She and her sweet gentle mama, Ruth live happily with sanctuary founder Jo in Franschhoek and are available for adoption.
Ella arrived at the sanctuary needing extensive treatment of a bone infection in the hock. She became increasingly plump which was attributed to her diet until she surprised everyone by giving birth to a beautiful foal called Toby. Mom and son live with sanctuary’s founder Jo in Franschhoek and are part of the adoption programme.
Toby was born at the sanctuary to Ella and is looking for a loving home in the Franschhoek area.
EARS Donkey Sanctuary’s ‘Adopt-a-Donkey’ programme offers you the chance to ‘adopt’ one of the sanctuary’s donkeys. This sponsorship is the perfect gift for that friend who has everything, an ardent animal lover, or a child.
Includes:
EARS Donkey Sanctuary’s gelding programme protects horses in the Greyton area.
There are currently more than 600 free-grazing horses in the region. Every year dozens of new foals are born and many of these vulnerable little ones are attacked by dogs, fall into ditches or are hit by cars.
The best way to control the overpopulation of horses is through sterilisation. Participating veterinarians geld stallions in an operation performed where the horses graze. The process takes less than an hour.
Chemical sterilisation is available for mares.
EARS Donkey Sanctuary knows that everyone loves a fun donkey ride.
The sanctuary team and market organisers invite donkey owners to join them at the Saturday Morning Market for cart and pony rides.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about donkey care while having a great time with the community.
Together with market organisers, EARS strives to ensure the horses have water, that their harnesses and tack are in good condition and that the animals are in good health.
EARS Donkey Sanctuary is blessed to have a team of dedicated volunteers and invites the community to join them in taking care of the resident donkeys and horses.
The EARS Charity Shop in Main Road, Greyton, is an initiative to keep the sanctuary self-sustainable.
Stock donations are welcome and the shop is a great place to bargain hunt for treasures.
Read more about EARS Donkey Sanctuary’s charity shop here.
Banking Details
As a non-profit organisation, EARS Donkey Sanctuary relies solely on donations to continue its rescue and rehabilitation work.
Your donation is greatly appreciated.
Your donation is greatly appreciated by the sanctuary’s residents.
EARS
ABSA
Account Number: 9309869152
“EARS Donkey Sanctuary is a special place. Penny and her team take such great care of these rescued donkeys. They love visitors and carrots.” Natty Lee Carter
