Despite the dangerous conditions and the stormy weather, at least all the donkeys and other farm animals on the premises are safe. (Photo: Provided)
Uprooted trees and damaged fences are all that remain of the once peaceful camps at the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary.
Only two months after this refuge for donkeys in the De Rust area struggled with a crippling drought that scorched the landscape, this safe haven is now facing a new natural disaster.
Heavy storms that have lashed the region have led to large-scale flooding that is putting enormous pressure on the refuge. The South African Weather Service earlier issued a level 8 warning for extreme weather, and the consequences of that are clearly visible in the huge damage caused to the refuge.
Jonno Sherwin, the founder and CEO of the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, says about 62 mm of rain fell in the region in just 24 hours.
“This is an enormous amount considering that it represents almost 25% of the area’s average annual rainfall.”
The stormwater left a trail of destruction on the property. (Photo: Provided)
The stormwater left a trail of destruction on the property: trees were uprooted, fences were damaged and large parts of the pasture were washed away by the floodwaters.
Despite the dangerous conditions and the stormy weather, at least all the donkeys and other farm animals on the premises are safe.
“We are incredibly grateful that all our animals are safe, but the damage is serious and the danger is far from over.
“Our emergency teams are doing everything in their power to protect the donkeys and continue operations during the storm.”
Sherwin says the extent of the damage is putting tremendous pressure on the refuge and its staff.
“The situation remains critical as the river that flows through the property continues to rise. Emergency crews are working tirelessly to secure shelters and protect vulnerable areas. Ditches are being dug, structures are being reinforced and urgent repairs are being made as the heavy rain continues to fall.
“We now urgently need the public’s support to overcome this crisis.”
The situation remains critical as the river that flows through the property continues to rise. (Photo: Provided)
It is a wry twist of fate that this cry of distress resounds precisely today, May 8. It’s World Donkey Day, a day meant to celebrate the value of these often overlooked animals.
Sherwin makes an urgent appeal to the community to join hands with the refuge.
“Today, on World Donkey Day, we ask people to stand with us and the animals who depend on this sanctuary.
“Every contribution will go directly to emergency response efforts, the safety of our animals, urgent repairs, as well as feed and other essential supplies during this crisis we are currently dealing with.”
Trees were uprooted, fences were damaged and large parts of the pasture were washed away by the floodwaters. (Photo: Provided)
The Karoo Donkey Sanctuary has been offering rescue, rehabilitation and lifelong care to vulnerable and abused donkeys and other farm animals since 2015.
“We remain committed to animal welfare, education and advocacy for the species, even when nature shows its worst side.”