Equitopia Equestrian

Congratulations 👊🏻to our riders and their horses for qualifying to take part in SANESA Nationals representing Gauteng. Very very proud of you 👏

Masika having a nap after breakfast 🥰

Some memories never leave you. This is one of mine.

A defining moment that reaffirmed my life's calling: to protect Africa's persecuted donkeys.

Some years ago, during the height of the COVID pandemic, I joined Network for Animals on an undercover investigation inside what was then Tanzania's largest donkey slaughterhouse.

What I witnessed that day will stay with me for the rest of my life.

The slaughterhouse was officially licensed to slaughter just 20 donkeys per day. Yet our investigation indicated that as many as 200 donkeys were being slaughtered daily, driven by the relentless demand for donkey skins.

Standing inside that facility, looking into the eyes of terrified donkeys as they waited for their turn, was one of the most heartbreaking experiences I have ever endured. It wasn't simply the scale of the slaughter that was so confronting - it was the realisation that each of these gentle, intelligent animals was suffering for a trade fuelled by demand on the other side of the world.

What affected me most, however, was discovering that the vast majority of the mares being slaughtered appeared to be heavily pregnant. With every mare lost, an unborn foal was lost too. It was a devastating reminder that the true cost of the donkey skin trade extends far beyond the individual animal standing before you.

That experience changed me forever.

It strengthened my resolve that donkeys deserved a voice, and it reinforced my commitment to dedicate my life to protecting them.

Following our investigation, I had the privilege of presenting our findings to the Tanzanian Government in Dodoma. I am incredibly proud that our work contributed to the growing body of evidence that ultimately helped pave the way for one of the greatest victories for donkeys in history - the African Union’s landmark decision to adopt a 15-year moratorium on the commercial slaughter of donkeys across the continent.

Sadly, the fight is far from over.

Despite the African Union's historic stance, South Africa continues to permit the legal commercial slaughter of up to 10,500 donkeys every year. Until that changes, our work is not done.

Today, that journey continues through the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, which has grown to become Africa's only GFAS-accredited equine sanctuary, providing lifelong refuge to rescued donkeys and other vulnerable animals while advocating tirelessly for stronger protection for donkeys across Africa.

I am sharing this footage not to sensationalise suffering, but because I believe people deserve to see the reality behind the donkey skin trade - and to understand why this cause has become my life's mission.

But I cannot do this alone.

If this story moves you, I ask you to stand with us.

If you feel able to do so, please watch the investigation, share it with your family and friends, help us raise awareness, and, if you are in a position to do so, please consider supporting the work of the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary. Every rescue, every veterinary intervention, every advocacy campaign, and every life we save is only possible because compassionate people choose to stand beside us.

Together, we can expose cruelty, protect vulnerable donkeys, and work towards a future where no donkey suffers for the donkey skin trade.

Thank you for believing that every donkey matters.

⚠️ Please note: The footage contains graphic scenes of animal suffering that some viewers may find deeply distressing. I have chosen to share it because I believe the reality of the donkey skin trade must be seen if we are ever to bring it to an end.

🎥 Watch the full undercover investigation here:
https://youtu.be/IAMAXOUl6Io?si=8g5Ttp-zxpgDyzZ3

Please share this post. Together, we can give donkeys a voice - and together, we can help bring an end to the donkey skin trade once and for all.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps us rescue donkeys, provide lifelong sanctuary, expose cruelty, advocate for lasting legislative change, and continue working towards a future where no donkey suffers for the donkey skin trade.

Together, we can ensure that the memories I carry from that slaughterhouse become part of history - not Africa's future. Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)

Some Mienke and Amber at SANESA finals🐴🩵🐴💛

💔 Today, I'm asking for your help.

The beautiful horse pictured here is our special Mercy.

We rescued Mercy after she had been abandoned in the vast Great Karoo veld, alone, with no food, no water, and little hope of survival in the middle of a sweltering summer.

Today, she is healthy, safe and deeply loved.

I don't ask often, but today I have no choice.

For thirteen years, I have had the privilege and responsibility of giving a voice to animals who cannot speak for themselves.

Thirteen years ago, I rescued four donkeys. I never imagined they would become the beginning of something so much bigger than myself.

Today, the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary has grown into something far greater than me. It has become a permanent home for more than 400 rescued animals, Africa's only Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS) accredited equine sanctuary, and a community of compassionate people united by the belief that every animal deserves a life free from hunger, fear and abuse.

But after enduring a devastating drought, catastrophic floods and rising costs, we are now facing one of the most difficult financial periods in our thirteen-year history.

Every morning, Mercy, along with more than 400 other rescued animals, waits for breakfast.

They don't understand financial hardship.

They don't know that donations have slowed.

They simply trust us.

They trust that we'll feed them, care for them when they're sick, and keep them safe.

They trust us to keep the promise we made on the day we rescued them.

It is a promise we have never broken.

With your help, we never will.

If our journey has ever touched your heart, I'm asking you to please stand with us today.

🐴 Join our newly formed Long Ears Club as a monthly supporter.

❤️ Make a once-off donation.

📢 Or simply share this post with your family and friends.

To everyone who already stands beside us - thank you, we love you all. Every rescue, every bale of hay, every veterinary visit and every life we've saved has only been possible because of your kindness.

If you're not yet part of our journey, we'd be honoured to welcome you into our sanctuary family.

Together, we can ensure that tomorrow morning Mercy and more than 400 other rescued animals wake up to the same promise we made them on the day we rescued them: that they will never know hunger, fear or neglect again.

With heartfelt gratitude

Jonno
Founder
Karoo Donkey Sanctuary

Please find our donation links and banking details below. Every contribution, regardless of its size, helps us keep our promise.

💚 Donate:

Donate Now

💚 Join the Long Ears Club:
https://kds.paysoftimpact.co.za/public/api/Template/Index/?id=20395

Banking Details

Karoo Donkey Sanctuary
Standard Bank
Tyger Manor | 05 04 10
Account No: 300 874 049
SWIFT: SBZAZAJJ
Reference: Your Name

❤️ If Mercy's story touched your heart, please leave a ❤️ in the comments so we can thank you personally, and share this post. Together, we can reach someone who is able to help us keep this promise.

For Section 18a Tax Certificates, please email [email protected] and please include the following information.

- Full name and physical address
- Donor identity type: Whether the donor is a natural person, company, or trust.
- Identification number: An ID number for natural persons (plus country of issue) or a registration number for entities.
- Tax details: SARS income tax reference number (if available).
- Contact details
- Your POP

Some Penbritte and some Steyn City. Our girls always looking 👌