Karoo Donkey Sanctuary finds 'Hope' after year of challenges

The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary’s dream for 2026 is both simple and immense, with the most important being that of becoming self-sustainable. 

The Sanctuary has survived a difficult 2025, after being evicted from their home and later managing to purchase a 500-hectare farm at the base of the famous Meringspoort in De Rust, fittingly named Die Hoop which means “Hope”, thanks to the help of a small group of angel investors. 

“2025 was a year that pushed us to the brink, tested our resolve, and reminded us — in the most profound ways — why this work matters,” said Founder and CEO Jonno Sherwin.

2025 began under a heavy cloud of uncertainty when the organization faced eviction from the former property that they were occupying and had hoped to buy. After falling short of being able to purchase the former property in Prince Albert, they left. 

With the help of a small group of angel investors, they were finally able to purchase a 500-hectare farm at the base of Meringspoort in De Rust, named Die Hoop.

“This land is a sanctuary of safety, grazing, albeit sadly not now due to the crippling drought in the area, shelter, pristine air and peace for the 400 rescued animals in their care who have all already endured too much,” said Sherwin. “This move was not just physical. It was a spiritual lifeline.” 

Among the animals the sanctuary has cared for is rescued horse, Mercy, who was found alone in the vast Karoo without food and water, her body ravaged by heat and relentless flies. 

A desperate drone search and rapid rescue brought her to safety, where months of intensive care slowly restored her strength.  

“Today, Mercy walks freely across green fields, healthy, loved, and alive because someone cared enough to act,” said Sherwin.

Meisie worked for years as a “guard donkey,” protecting flocks of sheep out on a vast Karoo farm with no shelter, proper food or veterinary care. By the time she reached the sanctuary, her hooves had formed ‘slippers”, were broken and she could barely walk.

After specialized farrier care and months of rehabilitation, Meisie now lives a beautiful life with her foster family, surrounded by love and amazing care.

“With a working expense of R250 000 per month, we urgently need donors to support us and our crusade. We also encourage people to become a part of the Long Ears Club - people who donate anything from R100 per month. This will help us provide daily feed, shelter, veterinary care and love for every rescued donkey, horse and farm animal in our care. Costs remain extremely high, and we rely entirely on donations to survive.”

The sanctuary wants to build a dedicated rehabilitation barn and medical facility, enabling veterinarians to perform urgent and lifesaving procedures on site. They would also like to expand education and advocacy programmes to fight cruelty and raise awareness about the global donkey skin trade. Plans are also in place to launch a mobile rescue unit to respond rapidly to equines in distress across the Western Cape region.

To donate to feed, medical emergencies, fencing, and daily care costs contact jonno@karoodonkey.org.  Members of the public can also sponsor a donkey's feed at R500 per month and receive a personalized certificate. Email fund@karoodonkey.org for more information. 

Cape Times