- Open Thursday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm
- McGregor, Western Cape
Welcome!
Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary provides a permanent refuge for abused, neglected and elderly donkeys in McGregor, Western Cape – promoting the welfare and status of donkeys through a culture of caring.
Come say hi!
Thu – Sun
10am – 4pm
How you can help
Every donation helps us to improve the facilities and expand our support and rehabilitation of donkeys.
Donate now →
Adopt a donkey for a year and become part of the growing number of Donkey Ambassadors.
Adopt now →
We are open Thursdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm – and our Coffee Shop is open too!
Plan your visit →
Donkey-themed gifts, cards and books – every purchase helps care for the donkeys.
Visit the shop →
Since
2001
About us
First and foremost we provide a permanent home and loving care to destitute, rescued donkeys. Over the years we have cared for numerous donkeys at the Sanctuary and rehomed many others to homes in the Western Cape.
It all began in 2001, when Dr Johan & Annemarie van Zijl of McGregor village answered a call from the SPCA to give two neglected donkeys a safe place to stay.
Our vision
Promoting the welfare and status of donkeys through a culture of caring.
Why we exist
Many of the donkeys who come to Eseltjiesrus have known hard work, hunger, neglect or abuse. Here they are safe for life – fed, groomed, loved and cared for. Every donkey you meet at the Sanctuary has a story.
Bobby came to us in 2023, battered and bruised, abandoned next to a road. Treating him was difficult as he did not trust anyone. He is still wary of humans, but he loves his treats and lives a happy, safe life at the Sanctuary.
Niggie had a tough beginning to life. She started as a working donkey pulling carts and never experienced love and attention. Today she is healthy, eats well and loves attention.
Eddie was rescued from a horrible petting farm. Now in his mid-teens, with the hollow back that is often a sign of ageing in donkeys, he loves meeting visitors.
Sebastian and his mother Bakoor came to us when their loving owner in Barrydale passed away. He is a wonderful, sweet donkey who looks forward to his daily grooming.
Where your money goes
Costs rise every year, and this doesn’t include extra care for elderly or severely neglected donkeys, paddock upkeep, irrigation or electricity. Regular gifts help us plan ahead – and donations of any size are welcome.
Choose an amount for a once-off gift, or contact us to set up a monthly stop order.
Adopt a donkey
All of our lovely donkeys are available for adoption. Adopt a donkey for a year for an amount of your choice – from as little as R50 a month. Not sure which donkey to choose? Let us know and we will help you decide.
As an adoptor you will receive…
Fall in love!
Visit us
We are open Thursdays to Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Please report to one of our Visitor Guides on arrival in front of the Visitor Centre.
Thursday to Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Light meals and snacks while you visit
Donkey-themed items, cards, wine & craft beer
McGregor, Western Cape
Get involved
Join us for our annual events, like our Book Fair and St Francis Day.
See our events →
CAPS-aligned Primary School materials in English and Afrikaans, focusing on Language and Mathematics.
Get the resources →
Remember the donkeys in your Will. As a registered NPO and PBO, bequests carry tax and estate duty benefits.
Find out more →
Choose Eseltjiesrus as one of your beneficiaries – it costs you nothing to support the donkeys.
Learn how →
A song for the donkeys
We are delighted to present the song ‘Donkiehemel’, composed and performed by our patron David Kramer and gifted to the Sanctuary. This song and music video, with English subtitles, poignantly depicts the plight of working donkeys and the refuge offered by Eseltjiesrus.
Visitor feedback
Amazing little place where Donkeys are loved and well taken care of. Wonderful information and interaction with the donkeys directly. Great place to enjoy some light meals and snacks as well.
– Nicole Stoltz
The sanctuary totally changed my perspective on donkeys, what an amazing experience! Well worth a visit, especially with kids.
– Kate Higgs
As from 1 March 2023 SARS has changed the information that we are required to put into a section 18A tax certificate. If you wish to receive tax certificates for future adoptions, renewals or donations, please download the form and send it to adopt@donkeysanctuary.co.za. Thank you – your help now will expedite the issuing of tax certificates next year.
Stay in touch!
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