Nerja Donkey Sanctuary

By Sherri Russell (She's So Fly)

Nerja Donkey Sanctuary is located in the picturesque fishing town of Nerja (Malaga Province) on the southern coast of Spain on the Costa del Sol. Just over half an hour’s drive from Málaga and less than 10 minutes from the famous Nerja caves and the beautiful white village of Frigiliana.

The Nerja Donkey Sanctuary is a registered charity dedicated to rescuing, caring for and protecting donkeys, mules and horses.  Since opening in June 2004 they have rescued hundreds of equines, caring for them and then moving them on to new homes where possible.

You can help by adopting a donkey to help them care for them until they find new homes.  Adopting a donkey for just 25 Euros you can adopt a donkey for a year. You will receive a certificate and regular email updates on how the donkeys are doing.

My friend from United Kingdom, Glenn and his wife Denise, just visited this sanctuary and adopted a donkey.  They traveled to Spain from The UK and had two trips planned one to the Nerja Donkey Sanctuary the other too Nerja caves Nerja is said Nerheya in Spanish.  They walked the coast road from Punta Lara, with five apples for he animals.

(Punta Lara Spainsh coast - photo courtesy of Glenn and Denise)

Glenn mentioned that the Sanctuary is itself quite small, but nice, and they currently had about 20 - 25 animals some donkeys some ponies some tiny baby ones and pigs roaming free. He said you can buy food for the animals there for about a dollar a bag, which most visitors are not aware of in advance. 

        (Paloma - Denise's adopted Donkey)

One donkey in particular, Paloma, was really nice not pushy or greedy but just stood by you and seemed really friendly, and don't misunderstand him, he said they were all wonderful. Paloma's story why it is at the sanctuary is that she slipped off the mountain path photo and fell 100ft and was retired as a result.

Now Glenn is sure his wife, Denise, is one of many adoptive parents of the donkeys, but it really does not matter because multiple adoptions ensure the animals are really cared about.

     (Spain - photo courtesy of Glenn and Denise)

They spent a lovely few hours outdoors, enjoying the scenery, and were glad they got this experience and were able to support an animal in need.  They encourage others to visit the Nerja Donkey Sanctuary in person or on line at http://www.nerjadonkeysanctuary.com/objectives/ and adopt a donkey!

Visit the Nerja Donkey Sanctuary facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Nerja-Donkey-Sanctuary/109706698791