Heart-breaking decision to relinquish

Back in 1977, a beautiful, dark-chestnut coloured little mule was born. The beauty of his coat pretty much determined his name: he would be called Castaño Oscuro Spanish for "dark chestnut").

Castaño has been working most of his life with his loving owner, picking wood and olives in the fields. You can tell he's been well-treated, as he still is in great shape for a 33 year old mule. Sadly, his owner has fallen ill, and can no longer take care of his beloved mule. Having heard about El Refugio del Burrito, he made the wise, if heart-breaking, decision to relinquish him to us so he would spend his retirement in a caring, loving environment.

Despite there being some tears, the owner was happy to see him off for a well-earned retirement at our refuge where Castaño will be surrounded by many other mules like himself.

Both the owner and his family will be visiting Castaño soon at his new home in Fuente de Piedra, to see how he gets on.

We would like to give Castaño a very warm welcome to our refuge and wish him many happy years of life with us.

Find out how you can help other mules like Castaño by contacting us.