They arrive for different reasons: some abandoned, neglected or abused, others simply had nowhere else to go. At Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, they become individuals again, with names, friendships, histories and futures. Our responsibility is to give them the opportunity to live as fully and naturally as possible.
Donkeys are where our story began, and they remain at the heart of everything we do. Quiet, intelligent and deeply social, they're among the most misunderstood animals in the world, their stoicism often mistaken for stubbornness, and their ability to endure difficult conditions can hide real pain and suffering. At KDS, we believe they deserve to be understood as individuals, not commodities, working tools, or by-products.
To know a donkey is to discover an animal capable of forming strong bonds and complex relationships. Our permanent herd includes survivors of neglect, abandonment, and the commercial donkey trade. Here, they live in social herds with open space, forage, shelters, and dedicated veterinary and farrier care. The more you understand a donkey, the harder it becomes to overlook one.
KDS is also home to rescued horses and mules, each arriving with their own history and individual care needs. We understand the individual, provide the specific care they need, and give them the opportunity to live with safety and dignity.
Compassion does not stop with equines. Over the years, KDS has become home to other animals in need, including cattle, pigs, and geese who have found refuge within the sanctuary. Their species may be different, but our responsibility to them remains exactly the same.
Discover the individual stories behind our herd: rescue stories, personalities, and lives of animals like these. You can also form a special connection by choosing to virtually adopt a sanctuary resident.
Miniature donkeys
Rosemary and her son, Basil, were confiscated by the SPCA following animal-abuse charges against their former custodians at a petting zoo. They were subsequently given lifelong sanctuary at KDS.
These miniature donkeys may be no taller than a Great Dane, but what they lack in stature, they more than make up for in presence. Today, they are safe, deeply loved and very much in charge of sanctuary life.
Rosemary and Basil are wonderfully bolshy characters with strong personalities and even stronger opinions. Confident, commanding and endlessly entertaining, this tiny mother-and-son team somehow manages to give the impression that the entire sanctuary operates under their supervision.
Rescued mule
Rebecca was found abandoned near Prince Albert, alone and in desperate need of help. Elderly, terribly malnourished, partially blind and infested with blood-sucking louse flies, she had clearly endured a lifetime of hardship.
Rebecca was brought to KDS, where she received the nourishment, medical care and protection she so desperately needed. She now has the peace, dignity and security every animal deserves in their twilight years.
Rebecca is a gentle and quietly courageous old lady. Her limited vision makes her understandably cautious, but once she feels safe, her trusting and affectionate nature shines through. She asks for very little and touches everyone with her quiet dignity.
Rescued horse and foal
Cloud Dancer was discovered emaciated and dehydrated being pulled down a national road in the Great Karoo, with her one-week-old foal, Munchkin, at her side. With no town, water source or shelter in sight, they were being forced along the road in sweltering midsummer temperatures exceeding 40°C.
Following official intervention, mother and foal were removed to safety and brought to KDS. Cloud Dancer was named for the beautiful Karoo clouds seemingly imprinted upon her facial blaze. With intensive care, she regained her strength while continuing to protect and nurture her brave little foal.
Cloud Dancer is a strong, attentive and deeply protective mother. Despite everything she endured, she has retained a wonderfully gentle spirit. Munchkin is confident, curious and playful—a bright young adventurer whose joyful energy is a beautiful reminder of what rescue makes possible.
Rescued horse
Following an extensive drone search conducted with the help of our equine welfare network in Prince Albert, Mercy was found debilitated, emaciated and fighting for her life in the vast, arid Karoo veld.
She had no access to food, water or shelter from the blistering desert sun and was infested with blood-sucking louse flies. Mercy was brought to KDS and received months of critical care from our rehabilitation team. She was later formally surrendered into our care and now lives safely among our rescued herd.
Mercy is gentle, sensitive and remarkably resilient. She can initially be cautious around new people, but patience earns her trust. Once comfortable, she reveals a warm and affectionate nature and takes great comfort in the companionship of her herd.
Rescued Nguni bull
Inyanga is a magnificent rescued Nguni bull and one of the sanctuary’s most striking residents. His distinctive colouring, imposing horns and powerful stature make him an unforgettable sight, but his life at KDS is defined by peace rather than fear.
He now enjoys the freedom, companionship and protection of sanctuary life, where he is valued as an individual rather than for what can be taken from him.
Despite his impressive size, Inyanga is a calm and dignified presence. He is observant, quietly confident and very aware of everything happening around him. He commands respect without demanding it and brings a wonderfully grounded energy to the sanctuary.
Rescued horse
Sir Morgan was surrendered to KDS when his former custodian could no longer care for him. Having lost an eye, he was brought to the sanctuary in the hope that he might become a companion to Harissa, another monocular horse who had struggled to find her place within the herd.
Sir Morgan’s arrival gave both horses the possibility of companionship with someone who experiences the world in much the same way. He now has the security of lifelong care and a home where his disability does not diminish his worth.
Sir Morgan is a gentle and sensitive gentleman. He approaches the world thoughtfully and appreciates calm, patient interaction. Beneath his reserved exterior is an affectionate horse with a reassuring presence and a great capacity for trust.
Rescued goat
Sakkie is one of the sanctuary’s rescued goats and proof that personality is never determined by size. He was born different. At KDS, he enjoys a life of safety, companionship and freedom from the exploitation so many farmed animals endure.
Now known and loved as an individual, Sakkie reminds visitors that goats are intelligent, emotionally complex animals deserving of kindness and respect.
Sakkie is curious, mischievous and always eager to investigate whatever is happening. Clever and full of confidence, he has a knack for placing himself at the centre of the action and keeping everyone thoroughly entertained.
Rescued lamb
Liquorice is a rescued lamb who has found lifelong safety at KDS. He was rescued during a religious ceremony where his mother sadly went to slaughter. Instead of being viewed as a commodity, Liquorice is recognised as a feeling individual capable of forming close bonds, experiencing joy and seeking comfort and companionship.
Life at the sanctuary offers Liquorice what every lamb deserves: protection, open space, friendship and the freedom to grow old without fear.
Liquorice is sweet-natured, affectionate and inquisitive. A gentle soul with a playful streak, Liquorice enjoys companionship and is happiest when surrounded by familiar friends.
Rescued horse
Harissa was one of 38 horses rescued by KDS from a slaughter auction in 2017. She arrived emaciated, dehydrated and disorientated, with her one-week-old foal, Dennis, at foot. Her right eye had been gouged out on auction day, most likely by one of the sharp sticks used to force the terrified animals between the holding pens and sales ring.
Harissa made a remarkable physical recovery, and her tiny foal grew into the sanctuary’s handsome mule, Dennis. However, her monocular vision made it difficult for her to build confidence and form friendships within the wider herd. The later arrival of Sir Morgan, who had also lost an eye, offered the hope of a particularly understanding companion.
Harissa is sensitive, vigilant and deeply devoted to those she trusts. Her limited vision means she can be cautious and easily unsettled by sudden movement, but patient handling reveals an exceptionally gentle and loving horse. Her courage is quiet but extraordinary.
Rescued rooster
Rudolph is a rescued rooster who has found permanent sanctuary at KDS. Here, he is valued not as livestock but as a sentient individual with his own preferences, relationships and unmistakable character.
He spends his days safely exploring his surroundings, socialising and carrying out the very important business of overseeing sanctuary life.
Rudolph is confident, colourful and impossible to ignore. Proud of both his appearance and his voice, he takes his responsibilities very seriously and ensures that each new day at the sanctuary is announced with appropriate ceremony.
Rescued ostrich
Olly is a rescued ostrich and undoubtedly one of the sanctuary’s tallest and most distinctive residents. At KDS, Olly has the space to roam, explore and live safely as the remarkable individual he is.
His presence offers visitors a rare opportunity to appreciate the intelligence, curiosity and unique beauty of the world’s largest living bird.
Olly is curious, alert and wonderfully expressive. He likes to observe everything at close range and often appears determined not to miss a single development. His combination of elegance, inquisitiveness and occasional theatricality makes him unforgettable.
Rescued pig
Bella is a rescued pig who now enjoys lifelong protection at KDS. Bella was found along the highway after she had fallen off a transporter en route to the slaughterhouse. Highly intelligent and emotionally complex, pigs form close relationships, communicate constantly and experience the world through an extraordinary sense of smell.
Bella’s life at the sanctuary is filled with safety, companionship, comfortable resting places and plenty of opportunities to forage and explore.
Bella is intelligent, affectionate and delightfully determined. She knows exactly what she wants and is never shy about communicating it. Inquisitive and food-motivated, she combines enormous charm with an equally impressive strength of character.
Rescued ducks
Daphne and Donald are a devoted pair of rescued ducks who have found safety together at KDS. Ducks are naturally social animals and form meaningful bonds with their companions, making the opportunity to remain together especially important.
They now spend their days exploring, foraging, bathing and enjoying the simple freedoms of sanctuary life.
Daphne and Donald are an inseparable and highly entertaining duo. Curious, sociable and always busy, they approach each day as though the sanctuary has been arranged entirely for their benefit—and perhaps they are right.
Rescued goose
Gabby is one of the sanctuary’s rescued geese and a proud ambassador for a species that is intelligent, social and deeply loyal. Geese form strong relationships and communicate through a surprisingly rich range of sounds and behaviours.
At KDS, Gabby is free to live safely among companions and to express every aspect of her wonderfully distinctive nature.
Gabby is sociable, outspoken and an excellent communicator. Alert and inquisitive, she keeps a close watch over her surroundings and is never reluctant to offer an opinion. Her confidence and character make her a memorable sanctuary resident.
Rescued turkey
Terry is a rescued turkey who has found lifelong protection at KDS. Turkeys are sensitive, intelligent and highly social birds, each with a distinct personality and the capacity to form trusting relationships with both their own kind and human caregivers.
At the sanctuary, Terry is known as an individual and given the space, companionship and respect every sentient being deserves.
Terry is curious, confident and wonderfully expressive. He enjoys being noticed and carries himself with considerable presence. Beneath the impressive display is an engaging and sociable character who takes a keen interest in everything happening around him.
Rescued donkey
Clementine was one of the 236 donkeys rescued by KDS from a slaughter auction in 2017. Like many of the donkeys saved that day, she bears the permanent scars of ear-maiming—a crude and painful identification practice still used in some rural communities in South Africa.
Her damaged ears are a visible reminder of the suffering she endured, but they do not define her. Clementine now lives in safety, surrounded by the companionship and care she should always have known.
Clementine is gentle, calm and quietly resilient. She has a wonderfully serene presence and, once she feels secure, responds warmly to patient attention. Her capacity to trust despite everything she has endured makes her particularly special.
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