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El Refugio del Burrito has helped more than 500 donkeys and mules in Spain and Europe and currently monitors over 260 donkeys and mules. We also investigate cases of abuse or neglect, or any public complaint that concerns donkeys and mules. We are actively involved in causes that encourage the application and improvement of existing laws regarding animal welfare and the promotion of awareness campaigns and responsible ownership of donkeys and mules. We also try to get the best conditions for those animals that still are used for work, mainly in the tourism industry.

LATEST NEWS

The largest international airline, Emirates, bans the carriage of donkey skins

We applaud Emirates, the largest international airline in the world, for implementing an embargo on the carriage of donkey skins on Emirates aircrafts worldwide.

Millions of donkeys are killed for their skins each year, which are exported across the world and used to make traditional medicine and remedies. The move by the world’s largest international airline serves to disrupt the donkey skin trade by restricting the international movement of hides, protecting donkey populations and the communities that rely on donkeys for their livelihoods.

Emirates prohibe comercio de pieles

8th of May, World Donkey Day

Every 8th of May, International Donkey Day is celebrated, with the aim of raising awareness about the importance of protecting and conserving this species. In this interview with our director, Dr. Elena Barrio, we tell you more about why we exist and what makes our work so special.

 

Good morning, we are here at El Refugio del Burrito to celebrate International Donkey Day. Could you tell us what El Refugio del Burrito is and what its mission is?

burros en Doña Rosa

Lifeline for Peru’s donkey-owning families

Donkey-owning communities in remote areas of Peru have received vital training and equipment thanks to a collaborative project launched by The Donkey Sanctuary and partner organisation Innovar y Compatir (Innovate and Share).

The project helped ease the pressures imposed on families in the Maras District of Cusco, following the sudden lockdown caused by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Julia Condori with donkeys Filemón and Valentina in a shelter built with support from the project.

Telerin saved from a lethal wound

After two weeks of dedication, teamwork and expert care, we have managed to save the life of Telerin, a rescue donkey suffering from open, infected wounds and an enormous gash from one side of his abdomen to the other.

Our Welfare team was contacted last month by a lady who initially saved Telerin from being sent to the slaughterhouse. The person who took Telerin in was unable to keep him as, despite his sweet nature, he was a stallion donkey surrounded by females, she had limited space and the situation wasn’t sustainable.  

Telerin in hospital

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