In bygone days, the donkey was used as a beast of burden and a transport of necessity over choice - if not delight. But that was then and this is now – today the motorways and village roads of cyprus are dominated by the automobile – over half a million to be precise, be they rental cars or those driven by residents.So what happens to the humble donkey in the march of progress in cyprus?

The answer lies in the Limassol District – and the sanctuary operated by the ‘ Friends of the cyprus donkey ‘, an animal welfare charity founded in 1994 to care for sick and unwanted donkeys of all ages and to provide medical and welfare services for animals still working, throughout cyprus. It is a UK registered Charity, and licensed by the cyprus Government. Most of the management, all shop keeping and much of the animal welfare programmes are undertaken by unpaid volunteers. Visit them on the web at www.donkeycyprus.com

The main sanctuary is situated in beautiful hill country, around the picturesque village of Vouni, approximately 36 km north of Limassol. It occupies a number of fields, with more than a dozen enclosures of stables, stores and exercise yards. Whenever possible, especially during winter and spring, when there is fresh food, the animals are taken out to graze.

Visitors, who provide the bulk of the income necessary to run the charity, are very welcome. There is a visitor centre with shop, refreshments, hillside walk and picnic area.

There are more than 130 “residents” in the permanent sanctuary and the charity’s “Outreach Programme” regularly visits villages with mobile clinic, veterinarian, farrier/dentist, handlers and other personnel, to give treatment, medication and advice. At the Vouni base, care of teeth and feet ensures the good health of the residents.

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