Abandoned donkeys can finally retire and rest their rumps

Community members and asses alike mingled and got better acquainted at the Rest Ur Ass market day in Ruimsig on 24 April. Rest Ur Ass is a donkey sanctuary that rescues donkeys that were abused or sold on auction, and the sanctuary currently provides rest and comfort to more than 90 of those animals.

Local businesses had stalls put up, including food stalls and tuck shops for locals to really make a day of it.

Co-owner of the sanctuary, Lloreen le Roux, said this was their second market day and they hope to have one for every season. The event was put together to encourage people to adopt or sponsor a donkey, although when people hear ‘animal adoption’ they tend to think of cats and dogs. Lloreen said she often gets requests from people wanting to visit the donkeys.

Lloreen and her husband Albert said they adopted three donkeys from the SPCA and that was when their donkey rescue journey began. “We started off living in Constantia Kloof and our first two donkeys were in our yard there, but we realised we needed to get property to keep all the donkeys. We saw there was a need to look after donkeys because they were so abused. We started renting a property and then we bought this one just before lockdown, so having people around like this is very new to us, but it is quite nice,” Albert revealed.

The pair said they were inspired to begin this journey after a trip to Lesotho. The winding roads in the mountainous areas make it extremely difficult to drive a normal vehicle and donkeys are a more common mode of transport. Lloreen felt tugged to rescue donkeys, and explained, “People work with them and then they don’t know what to do with them when they can no longer work. Some do not really know that if you work with your donkey properly, it can work for you for a long time.”

Resident and first-time donkey adopter, Joan Eva said she went to a picnic at the sanctuary with her daughter and she was simply taken by the donkeys. “Because they have been rescued, I felt the need to adopt and give money towards their upkeep, medicine and care. I just have a love for them.”

Among those who had stalls at the market day was fellow rescue organisation, Border Collie Rescue. Gillian Pearson said this was the perfect interaction opportunity for both organisations, although she admitted that the donkeys were winning several hearts. Gillian said one cannot have a standalone organisation, especially when working with rescued animals. “For us helping another organisation like this is very important, and I think it speaks volumes.”