A day in the life as a groom

Every day at El Refugio del Burrito’s sanctuaries is a shining example of dedication, compassion, and tireless effort, ensuring that our 205 donkey residents enjoy optimal health and happiness. Our day begins bright and early at 8 a.m. (7 a.m during summer months), with the first task being to clean all the paddocks. A clean environment is essential for the health and happiness of our donkeys.

Next comes breakfast for our beloved residents. Each paddock has unique nutritional requirements tailored to the individual needs of the donkeys—some might need special supplements, while others require specific diets to manage health conditions. We also clean the automatic waterers and ensure they are all functioning properly. After the feeding frenzy, we administer any medications and attend to the donkeys needing extra care or treatment.

By mid-morning, around 11 a.m., we pause for a quick toilet break and a much-needed hot drink—just enough time to recharge before tackling the rest of the day. Once a week, our veterinarian visits to check on our residents’ health, and we periodically welcome specialists like the farrier and equine dentist to ensure hoof and dental health.

If time allows, we dive into enrichment activities, training sessions, or paddock maintenance to improve the donkeys’ quality of life and keep their environment engaging. For example, we have now been plowing and sowing some meadows with barley so that they can graze in the spring. 
 
Lunch around 2 p.m. provides a moment of rest, but not for long! The afternoon involves a second round of feeding, administering medications, and another paddock check to ensure everyone is content and comfortable. As the day winds down, we carry out a nightly check to make sure everything is calm and all the donkeys are safe and settled.

Every day may be busy, but seeing the donkeys happy, healthy, and thriving makes it all worthwhile.