Article provided by Karoo Donkey Sanctuary
The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is celebrating a series of extraordinary rescue and rehabilitation stories that demonstrate the remarkable resilience of animals given a second chance and the life-changing impact made possible through public support.
From a drought-stricken mare and her newborn foal fighting for survival to an elderly mule abandoned after a lifetime of hard labour, these stories reflect the sanctuary’s commitment to providing lifelong safety, dignity and compassionate care to animals that have nowhere else to turn.
“Every animal who arrives at the sanctuary has endured hardship of some kind,” says Jonno Sherwin, Founder and CEO of the Karoo Donkey 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, who were discovered being dragged along a national road in a rural Karoo town during one of the worst droughts ever experienced in the region.
Weak from starvation, severely dehydrated and utterly exhausted, both mother and foal were fighting for survival. Despite her own desperate condition, Cloud Dancer never stopped protecting and caring for her newborn.
Following their rescue, the pair received intensive veterinary treatment, specialised nutrition and around-the-clock monitoring. Over the months that followed, Cloud Dancer slowly regained her strength while Munchkin blossomed into a healthy, energetic and inquisitive young donkey.
Today, mother and daughter live safely together at the sanctuary, enjoying open paddocks, nutritious food and the security of lifelong care.
Rebekka: A Lifetime of Labour Finally Ends in Peace
Another rescue that deeply touched the sanctuary team was Rebekka, an elderly mule found wandering the streets of a small Karoo town desperately searching for water.
Partially blind, dehydrated and lame, Rebekka carried 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 intervened, transporting Rebekka to safety where she received veterinary care, proper nutrition and—perhaps most importantly—the opportunity to finally rest.
Today, Rebekka enjoys the peaceful retirement she was denied for so many years. Surrounded by compassionate caregivers and her new family of rescued friends, she spends her days grazing, resting and living free from the demands of hard labour.
“Animals like Rebekka remind us that every life has value, regardless of age or condition,” says Sherwin. “She deserved dignity and kindness in her later years, and that is exactly what she has found here.”
Every Rescue Made Possible Through Public Support
The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary currently provides lifelong care for more than 140 rescued donkeys, together 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 cruel donkey skin trade.
“Every rescue is only possible because of the generosity of our donors, sponsors and volunteers,” says Sherwin. “These success stories belong not only to the animals, but to every person who chooses to stand alongside us. Without public support, many of these animals would never receive a second chance.”
How You Can Help
Members of the public can support the sanctuary through monthly virtual adoptions, once-off donations, sponsorships or volunteering.To virtually adopt Cloud Dancer, Munchkin or Rebekka, email fund@karoodonkey.org.
Banking Details: Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, Standard Bank, Current Account, Account Number: 30 087 404 9, Branch: Tygermanor, Branch Code: 000410
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Date published: 30/06/2026
Feature image: Sourced from Freepik; for illustration purposes only
Content image/s: Provided by Karoo Donkey Sanctuary
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