SPCA rescue donkeys continue to thrive
The Kloof animal protection organisation has 12 donkeys that are looking for loving homes, although they are well cared for in their idyllic location.
PRIMROSE Mbona says all the donkeys in her care at the Kloof and Highway SPCA are her favourite as she can’t single one out for fear the others will become jealous.
Mbona, who has been an SPCA employee for 27 years, looks after 16 donkeys, one cow and a horse. Janine Kyle, PRO of the SPCA, says that the four resident donkeys were adopted by the organisation. They live alongside 12 donkeys still to be rehomed after the last donkey rescue.
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“Jesse, Buzz, Charlotte and Wilbur will live out their days in our paddocks. We have officially completed paperwork to say that the Kloof and Highway SPCA has adopted them. We still have 12 donkeys from our last donkey rescue in 2021, and we take care of these donkeys on our premises. They have plenty of space to run free and enjoy themselves in our beautiful paddocks.”
The donkeys were rescued from the illegal donkey skin trade. In March 2021, the Kloof and Highway SPCA was asked to take in and rehome 36 donkeys of a group of 99, which were discovered in transit near Mooi River. The call came from the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA).
“It was found that the donkeys, which included young foals, were destined for slaughter for their skins which would later be used in the donkey skin trade,” said the NSPCA in a statement at the time. The donkey skin trade exports donkey skins to Asia, where they are destined to be used in traditional remedies.
A public appeal by the SPCA was met with an enthusiastic response from the community, who provided transport, repairs to the SPCA’s electric fence, a supply of hay bales and donations towards medical care.
Kyle says, “We were so fortunate to find excellent homes for all the others. Many of them are on farms with people who care for them. Three donkeys went to a lovely family in Hammarsdale, where they have become so happy and tame that they happily walk into the lounge area of the home to say hello to the family and the other pets that dwell there.”
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Richard Haigh, the owner of Enaleni Farm in Camperdown, adopted three donkeys in April last year.
“I’ve had the donkeys for a year and seven months. Two of the mares, Rosie and Berry, foaled as they were pregnant when they arrived. I had the vet geld Benjamin shortly after I got them. Rosie and Berry gave birth in January and February respectively. They are doing well, and I’m loving them, absolutely loving them. They are wonderful creatures. They settled in well. They are happy, tame and loving.”
Kyle says the SPCA visitors are welcome to visit the donkeys in the paddocks near the tea garden.
To enquire about adopting or sponsoring a rescued donkey from the SPCA, contact pr@kloofspca.co.za.
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