The cyprus donkey has long been an iconic symbol of the island of Cyprus. Traditionally used to gather the harvest and work the land in recent times the Cyprus donkey has been replaced in many parts of the island by the quad bike and other machinary.
A visit to the Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary is a highlight of a Cyprus holiday especially for children
The Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary
The Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary cares for around 100 donkeys that for various reasons could no longer be cared for by their owners. Frequently elderly owners become too frail to look after the donkey who they have had for many years.
The charity was initially established as the Friends of the Cyprus Donkey in 1994 by two British ex- patriots Mary and Patrick Skinner. On their retirement in 2007 the charity was taken over by the Donkey Sanctuary, whose headquarters are in Sidmouth in Devon in the United Kingdom and who have donkey sanctuaries and projects all over the world.
The mission statement of the Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary is to achieve the following aims and objectives
- Provision of Donkey Care; to provide every rescued donkey or mule within the Sanctuary, expert and individual care.
- Donkey Welfare Support; provide advice and support to owners and follow up complaints; work with local authorities to improve standards of donkey care.
- Outreach Programme; visit villages where there are working donkeys and provide health checks and treatments, give advice and support to owners
The donkeys are housed in a number of pens around the site. There is an intensive care pen with an isolation area near the entrance and the rest of the donkeys are grouped together according to age and temperament. They are cared for by a dedicated group of staff and volunteers and receive regular visits from farriers, vets and dentists.
Visiting the Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary in the Village of Vouni
The Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary welcomes visitors from 10am to 4pm daily
Facilities include toilets, a gift shop and a picnic area.
Situated at the village of Vouni in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains the Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary is approximately 38km north of Limassol.
From the Limassol - Paphos motorway take the E601 north towards the Troodos Mountains. After the village of Agios Amvrosios there is a right turn to the village of Vouni. The Cyprus Donkey Sanctuary is well signposted on nearing the village.
Admission is free although donations to support the work of the Cyprus Donkey sanctuary are welcomed.
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