GALLERY: Donkeys help severely disabled children
RUIMSIG – Thandi and Unathi are at The Earth Centre for the physically weak.
The spirit of Ubuntu lives in Thandi and Unathi’s hearts.
The two adorable and friendly miniature donkeys work with severely physically disabled children and those who are physically weak.
Thandi and Unathi are also the SA Riding for the Disabled Association (Sarda) ambassadors.
The Sarda centre and equine coordinator Natalie Stobaus said the two are always sure to attract a crowd.
“They can also interact with children in a very amazing way,” she said.
The two donkeys are kept for an interactive therapy programme at the Sarda centre in Ruimsig.
They have great personalities, are fun-loving, and love people.
Stobaus said Thandi (jenny /female) (5) and Unathi (jack /male) (4) have been staying at The Earth Centre since they were mere foals.
She said they were bought from a breeder on the East Rand who needed to help the centre improve its therapy with those who can’t go for horses.
Stobaus said because of their good listening skills and friendliness, Unathi and Thandi work with children who are unable to ride, and the elderly.
“We have children who can’t ride a horse, we then send them to Unathi and Thandi to help them develop communications skills, confidence and build relationship with animals,” said Stobaus.
She said Thandi and Unathi cannot talk because they are animals, but they can greatly use their animal skills to communicate with a human being.
Thandi and Unathi are treated like human beings, they have time for breakfast, dinner, relaxation, fun and time to sleep.
Thandi means ‘love’ and Unathi mean ‘with us’.
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