A Home For Life
The Donkey Sanctuary (Cyprus) is the only animal welfare organisation in Cyprus dedicated solely to the welfare of donkeys and mules.
We currently take care of almost 40 donkeys who live in our three Holding Bases. Every donkey or mule who comes to us is guaranteed to receive the best care possible provided by specialised and dedicated staff. No donkey that belongs to The Donkey Sanctuary (Cyprus) will ever be sold, lent out or bred from.
We take in an average of one donkey every month, the majority having been working animals. Most are too old to work or have treatable long term health issues, while others are no longer required. Often the owners are unable to look after them for financial or health reasons. The donkeys at our Holding Bases live in small groups such as Oldies and Special Care. New arrivals are not only assessed medically soon after they come to us, but also physically and mentally. In this way we get to know their characters, likes and dislikes to ensure that they will later join the group which is best suited to them.
Shortly after arrival, each donkey will have a full medical examination including a blood test, dental examination, and checked for any parasites or disease that could be transmitted to our other donkeys. All our donkeys have a microchip and equine passport as required by EU legislation, receive an annual vaccination against equine influenza and tetanus and are regular checked throughout the year for worms by testing dung samples. Their hooves are trimmed every six weeks and teeth are checked at least once a year – more frequently if they have any problems.
It is important that our donkeys do not become obese or very underweight and so, at the beginning of each month, every donkey is weighed on a special equine weighing platform. They also have their body condition assessed and any adjustments to their diet will be made to maintain a healthy condition.