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Information on the Cyprus charity thet helps neglected donkeys in Cyprus
Donkey Sanctuary (Cyprus) Vouni
Donkey Sanctuary (Cyprus) provides permanent refuge to donkeys in Cyprus. Our Sanctuary is based in the village of Vouni in the Limassol district and is currently home to over 120 rescued and unwanted donkeys.
Our work started in the country in 2004 when we began providing annual grants to help fund the work of Friends of the Cyprus Donkey, a charitable organisation run by Mary and Patrick Skinner.
In 2007, Mr and Mrs Skinner decided to retire from their donkey work and we officially established the Donkey Sanctuary (Cyprus) so that we could continue their work helping the donkeys on the island.
We take in an average of two donkeys every month, the majority having been working animals. Some have been found abandoned while others are no longer required for work. Often the owners can no longer look after them often for financial or health reasons.
The donkeys at the Sanctuary are cared for in small groups, such as 'oldies', boisterous youngsters and those with ongoing health problems.
Each donkey enjoys loving and expert care provided by our dedicated staff and volunteers. They receive regular health checks by dentists, farriers and vets, and the public can make a free visit to the Sanctuary to give the donkeys extra fuss and attention.
We also operate an outreach programme throughout the districts of Larnaca, Limassol, Nicosia, Famagusta and Paphos. This is because donkeys remain an important agricultural animal on the island particularly working in vineyards where machinery can't reach.
Our teams frequently encounter donkeys suffering with overgrown feet, parasites (such as worms), dental problems and untreated wounds. All treatments are provided free of charge and much emphasis is given on working with the owners to help prevent problems in the future. In cases where no owner is found, we will rescue the donkey.
Our Sanctuary provides a great venue for us to share our knowledge and expertise on donkey care and welfare. Information on donkey care are readily available and we are hoping health professionals, including vets and farriers, will visit in the future to learn more about donkeys from our experts as little information is usually given during their training. Schools often bring their pupils for educational visits and we have recently extended our activities to include talks at schools to help children understand more about donkeys' needs.
Our work in Cyprus is funded entirely by donations and there are many ways of helping the Sanctuary. Spreading the word, visiting (we are open daily from 10am to 4pm), adopting one of the rescued donkeys or simply sending a donation are some of the ways of helping.
How to find us
The Sanctuary is situated in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains on the edge of the village of Vouni in the Limassol District. The area is well known for its vineyards and wine production and, many of the small villages still have working donkeys. If you are visiting Cyprus between August and October, you may see some of them wearing the traditional Strodoulis (thick pads on the donkeys back) and panniers.
Why not make a day trip out to visit the local attractions and on your way up to the Troodos Mountains and come and see our donkeys on the way?
The Sanctuary is open daily from 10.00am to 4.00pm and there is no charge for admission. If you would like to groom or walk a donkey we do ask that you call us a day or two before you arrive so we can make sure a member of staff is available to be with you.
Donkey Sanctuary (Cyprus) is only 22km (about a 20 minute drive) from the motorway exit between Limassol and Paphos. From either direction exit the motorway when you see signposts for Erimi, Episkopi and Kantou. You will then see signs for Kantou, Kevides, Vasa, Omodos and Vouni. Follow this road for 11km and you will come to a village called Agios Amvrosios. On the main road look for a sign on the left side of the road pointing right to Vouni. There is a sign for the Sanctuary on the opposite side of the road. Turn right and continue up the hill for another 11km. As you come to a sharp right bend going into the village you will see a sign for the Sanctuary pointing up a concrete road that goes straight off the bend. Signs will then direct you to the Sanctuary and car park.
If you are coming to see us from any other direction then we would recommend you purchase a map and remember to head for Vouni in ther Limassol District – there are villages named Vouni in other districts!
How you can help
Further information may be found on the Donkey Sanctuary (Cyprus) website
© Donkey Sanctuary (Cyprus)
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