Staff writer
Cape Town - What do we learn of ourselves, in our relationships with other animals?
Well, at a quiet donkey sanctuary in McGregor, the philosophy is one of believing that donkeys teach us that humility is a strength and not a weakness.
The humble donkey is a species that originated from Abyssinia – now Ethiopia – and was brought south over the duration of human development, as our beasts of burden. Probably the most famous portrayal of their importance to us, is the Bible story of Mary and Joseph’s travel by donkey to Bethlehem…
Other famous donkeys include Eeyore, as Winnie the Pooh’s lamenting friend, and Shrek’s talkative best buddy.
A male donkey, or so-named Jackass, sadly implies negative associations through the slang meaning of being deficient in judgement or good sense. But for an animal relied upon for sure-footedness, this is definitely not deserved.
So what of the relationship that we hold with these hard-working animals?
Many donkeys still work in rural communities in South Africa for tasks like ploughing, pulling carts and portage. Some are, sadly, not befriended in their human relations. Poor diet and living conditions, or worse – abuse – make a place like Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary a necessity.
It is the only southern African refuge dedicated to retired, formerly destitute or rescued donkeys who now call it home. There are over 20 donkeys there, with others in foster care.
You can visit them in their tranquil pastures, with the hope that human engagement encourages greater understanding and appreciation of the species. We might then ask ourselves whether we are humble enough as Homo sapiens, the “thinking man”, to really be aware of our weaknesses?
Eseltjiesrus allows animals in our service to live out their lives with respect and dignity, surrounded by their own kind, in a protective and natural environment.
Outreach projects include workshops, and advice on correct care is regularly given to donkey owners.
Furthermore, they work in league with other benevolent equine interests here and across the globe as man has called on work-horses, ponies and donkeys for use in farming, mining and transport right around the world.
At the sanctuary, which is open every Thursday to Sunday, there are short walks for contemplation, with home cooking offered at the bistro at the side of a tranquil dam.
Learning from the humble donkey in this setting, children can colour in their own donkey picture as they await dishes from a special kiddies’ menu. It all makes for a gentle, pleasurable day out as you are invited to Eat, Bray, Love!
Ten years ago, when the provision for a haven for rescued animals began, funds were raised by selling books. This has now developed into the Western Cape’s largest single book sale, a major annual event in support of the work of the sanctuary.
On May 20-22 the Giant Book Fair will be held in the municipal buildings in McGregor, with around 12 000 books at bargain prices.
Among them are collector’s items, like 100-year-old copies of Dante’s Inferno and this year a rare signed copy of the Mars landing will also be raffled.
“It is interesting to see the coming together of bookworms and animal lovers in a culture of caring,” says organiser Dr Johan van Zijl as he notes that people travel from all over the province to attend.
He adds: “Why not also try the free Lucky Draw to win wines or souvenir merchandise, like T-shirts?
“The pleasure of your book purchases helps to raise funds which turn a new page for a donkey.”
Coffee and carrot cake will be served at the Book Fair: opening hours are 10am to 5pm, Friday and Saturday; and 10am to 3pm on Sunday with 50 percent discounts from noon.
Other funding comes from adoptions and one Cape Times reader will be lucky enough to win such an adoption with a VIP visitor experience at the sanctuary.
Choose your favourite donkey to support, whether it be shy Sheila, rescued from being bred and over-fed for lion food, or dark handsome, Andy, just learning to trust after a fearful rescue, or any of their fellow hairy friends.
Adoptions are also a great gift to others. Should we not ask ourselves whether acceptance and forgiveness are further strong attributes that donkeys teach us?
Sanctuary hours are 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Sunday. Visit www.donkeysanctuary.co.za or call +27(0)23625.
Cape Times