Lamu Donkey Sanctuary: A Must-Visit for Animal Lovers
Tucked away in the sleepy town of Shela in Kenya’s Lamu archipelago, the Lamu Donkey Sanctuary is an oasis of peace, warmth, and plenty of donkey love. This sanctuary is a haven for hundreds of donkeys, providing them with a safe and comfortable home, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The sanctuary was established in 2010 and is run by a dedicated team of volunteers. The team provides regular vet care, vaccinations, and other medical treatments to the donkeys. They also work hard to provide the donkeys with a safe and comfortable environment, complete with ample food and water, as well as plenty of love and affection.
The Sanctuary is open to visitors, making it a great place to visit for animal lovers. So, if you’re looking for a unique experience in Kenya, the Lamu Donkey Sanctuary is the perfect place to visit. Here’s everything you need to know about this amazing sanctuary.
The History of the Lamu Donkey Sanctuary
The Lamu Donkey Sanctuary was founded in 2010 by two British sisters, Jane and Emma Metcalfe. The sisters had been visiting Lamu for many years and noticed the large number of donkeys in the area that were often subjected to mistreatment and neglect.
Seeing this as an opportunity to make a difference, the sisters decided to set up a sanctuary to provide a safe and comfortable home for the donkeys. With the help of local volunteers and donors, they managed to build the sanctuary and provide the donkeys with the care and attention they deserved.
Today, the Lamu Donkey Sanctuary is one of the largest donkey sanctuaries in the world, providing shelter and care for hundreds of donkeys. The sanctuary also works to raise awareness about the plight of donkeys in the area, and to educate the local community about the importance of caring for these animals.
What to Expect at the Lamu Donkey Sanctuary
The Lamu Donkey Sanctuary is open to visitors all year round, and it’s a great place to visit for animal lovers. The sanctuary is located in the Shela area of Lamu, and it’s a short boat ride from the main town.
When you arrive at the sanctuary, you’ll be greeted by the friendly team of volunteers. They’ll take you on a tour of the sanctuary, which includes a tour of the main donkey barn, as well as the medical facilities and the donkey paddocks.
During the tour, you’ll get to meet and interact with some of the donkeys, as well as learn about their stories and the work the sanctuary is doing to help them. You’ll also get to see the team in action, as they provide the donkeys with food, water, and medical care.
At the end of the tour, you can purchase souvenirs from the sanctuary’s shop, such as donkey-themed t-shirts, keyrings, and other items. The proceeds from these sales help to fund the sanctuary’s work.
How to Help the Lamu Donkey Sanctuary
The Lamu Donkey Sanctuary is run entirely by volunteers, and it relies on donations from visitors and supporters to keep running. If you’d like to help the sanctuary, there are several ways you can do this.
Firstly, you can make a donation to the sanctuary. You can do this online or in person when you visit the sanctuary. You can also purchase items from the sanctuary’s shop, which helps to raise funds for their work.
Secondly, you can also volunteer at the sanctuary. You can help out with tasks such as feeding the donkeys, cleaning their living areas, and assisting with veterinary care. Volunteering at the sanctuary is a rewarding experience and a great way to make a difference in the lives of these gentle creatures.
Lastly, you can help raise awareness about the sanctuary and the plight of donkeys in the area by sharing information about the sanctuary with your friends and family, and on social media.