Children of all ages are welcomed at EARS Donkey Sanctuary – and we take our outreach team to kids in communities – because we believe that compassion for animals is best taught at an early age.

School groups are regular visitors to our Greyton sanctuary, from pre-schoolers to higher grades, where they’re encouraged to touch, groom and cuddle our gentle donkeys and hear stories about where our donkeys come from.

“Aunty Penny” (James) our Sanctuary manager and her team then impart important lessons in compassion and treatment of animals, from recognising illness to understanding that animals need warmth, food, love and shelter, just like humans. Our team also conducts regular kids’ workshops in local communities in conjunction with Greyton Animal Welfare. In addition to their lessons, the kids have loads of fun with art and are given delicious snacks when they’ve completed their lessons.

If you’d like your school or friends’ group to visit the Sanctuary, contact Penny via WhatsApp on 082 660 6714 to arrange a date and time. Our donkeys are gentle and friendly and their rescue stories are heartwarming.

Children can ‘adopt’ a donkey

Our ‘adoption’ programme encourages classes or individual children to ‘adopt’ their own donkey for R1200 a year. This entitles the child or class to a personalised ‘adoption’ certificate, the freedom to visit their donkey as many times as they wish, an introductory letter from their donkey and regular updates on their donkey’s welfare. These ‘adoptions’ make great gifts too – for young or old. For more info email toni@greytondonkeysanctuary.co.za.