The Donkey Sanctuary – a great family day out.
El Refugio del Burrito is not only a safe haven for maltreated donkeys, it is also gives the visitors the chance to experience one of Andalucia´s most beautiful inland areas.
things to do in spain
Having rescued donkeys from all over Europe, this fascinating sanctuary at Fuente de la Piedra, has been rescuing and caring for donkeys since 2001, and is situated just 40 minutes north of Malaga. This traditional cortijo, complete with olive groves and traditional Andalucian buildings is close to the famous Flamingo Lake, which is the largest natural lake in the Iberian Peninsula, and home to over 170 bird species.
Visitors to the donkey sanctuary cannot fail to be impressed by the wonderful facilities at the centre, and the obvious care that is given to the animals. Many of them are rescued from terrible conditions in both Spain and the rest of Europe, and cases of neglect and cruelty are also investigated.El Refugio is a registered Spanish Association, primarily concerned with the welfare of donkeys and mules, and is also known to lobby for improved legislation for these animals throughout Europe. It is also a subsidiary of the Donkey Sanctuary in southern England.
We visited the centre with my friends and their two children, and although we were all touched by the plight of the donkeys, it was good to know that they were now being looked after and cared for by such a bunch of dedicated people.
The ever growing family of donkeys are fed, treated and provided with refuge, and the centre depends entirely on donations. Although entrance to the sanctuary is free, the majority of visitors leave donations to support the upkeep and care of the animals.As animal lovers, we found this visit to be particularly humbling and the rescue stories of how the donkeys came to be at El Refugio were touching. The founders and workers at the sanctuary are also committed to stop donkeys and mules being mistreated and sold at market, and also details efforts to help improve the welfare of animals involved in the donkey taxi business.Villanueva de la Vera
Another main campaign is to stop the cruelty and distress to donkeys at the annual Villanueva de la Vera Festival.
The festival of Pero Palo takes place in Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres- Extremadura-Spain) every Shrove Tuesday. In this popular festival a poor and helpless donkey is taken through the streets of the village to be ridden by the drunkest rider and to be subjected to degrading and cruel treatment for more than an hour. The parliament of Junta de Extremadura passed a law (Ley 5/2002) for the Protection of Animals in the region of Extremadura which forbids the utilisation of animals in festivals and public shows when the animal receives cruel mistreatment. El Refugio del Burrito and The Donkey Sanctuary have witnessed this festival since 1986. We thought that the passing of that law meant the end of the torture the donkey receives, but reality has proved that nothing has changed. Over 3,500 letters have been sent to the sanctuary to outlaw this cruel event.
Adopt a Donkey
Visitors to the sanctuary can adopt one of eight donkeys for as little as €10 a year, and will receive a certificate and photo of the animal, plus regular updates on their future progress. This money goes towards the care and upkeep of the donkeys, and helps them recover from their years of negligence they have usually endured. The adoption package is also explained on the website, and can be paid for online. A gift shop is also situated on site, where the kids can take buy some souvenirs to take home.Flamingo Lake
After a fascinating day out, we stopped off at the Flamingo Lake on the way home. After drinks and tapas in Fuente de la Piedra, we stopped off at this beautiful lake, and were amazed at the species of birds we saw. This salt lake is approximately 6.5km long and 2.5km wide, and is the most important breeding ground for flamingos in the Iberian Peninsula. This is unspoilt beauty at its best, and the nearby village has been generally untouched by tourism. Experience it soon before the visitor centres are built.Contact Details:- El Refugio del Burrito, Apartado 25, 29520, Fuente de Piedra (Malaga). Tel: (English speaking): 0034 952 735513. (Spanish speaking): 0034 952 735077.
Directions:-From Malaga take the road to Antequera. Follow the signs for Seville, taking the A-92 motorway. Take the junction marked 132 to Fuente de Piedra and head into the village, turning left next to the Hotel Fuente de Piedra. Follow the track and take the second turn on the left after passing a large house on your right. The sanctuary is situated at the end of this track.
more things to do in spain click here
things to do in spain
Having rescued donkeys from all over Europe, this fascinating sanctuary at Fuente de la Piedra, has been rescuing and caring for donkeys since 2001, and is situated just 40 minutes north of Malaga. This traditional cortijo, complete with olive groves and traditional Andalucian buildings is close to the famous Flamingo Lake, which is the largest natural lake in the Iberian Peninsula, and home to over 170 bird species.
Visitors to the donkey sanctuary cannot fail to be impressed by the wonderful facilities at the centre, and the obvious care that is given to the animals. Many of them are rescued from terrible conditions in both Spain and the rest of Europe, and cases of neglect and cruelty are also investigated.El Refugio is a registered Spanish Association, primarily concerned with the welfare of donkeys and mules, and is also known to lobby for improved legislation for these animals throughout Europe. It is also a subsidiary of the Donkey Sanctuary in southern England.
We visited the centre with my friends and their two children, and although we were all touched by the plight of the donkeys, it was good to know that they were now being looked after and cared for by such a bunch of dedicated people.
The ever growing family of donkeys are fed, treated and provided with refuge, and the centre depends entirely on donations. Although entrance to the sanctuary is free, the majority of visitors leave donations to support the upkeep and care of the animals.As animal lovers, we found this visit to be particularly humbling and the rescue stories of how the donkeys came to be at El Refugio were touching. The founders and workers at the sanctuary are also committed to stop donkeys and mules being mistreated and sold at market, and also details efforts to help improve the welfare of animals involved in the donkey taxi business.Villanueva de la Vera
Another main campaign is to stop the cruelty and distress to donkeys at the annual Villanueva de la Vera Festival.
The festival of Pero Palo takes place in Villanueva de la Vera (Cáceres- Extremadura-Spain) every Shrove Tuesday. In this popular festival a poor and helpless donkey is taken through the streets of the village to be ridden by the drunkest rider and to be subjected to degrading and cruel treatment for more than an hour. The parliament of Junta de Extremadura passed a law (Ley 5/2002) for the Protection of Animals in the region of Extremadura which forbids the utilisation of animals in festivals and public shows when the animal receives cruel mistreatment. El Refugio del Burrito and The Donkey Sanctuary have witnessed this festival since 1986. We thought that the passing of that law meant the end of the torture the donkey receives, but reality has proved that nothing has changed. Over 3,500 letters have been sent to the sanctuary to outlaw this cruel event.
Adopt a Donkey
Visitors to the sanctuary can adopt one of eight donkeys for as little as €10 a year, and will receive a certificate and photo of the animal, plus regular updates on their future progress. This money goes towards the care and upkeep of the donkeys, and helps them recover from their years of negligence they have usually endured. The adoption package is also explained on the website, and can be paid for online. A gift shop is also situated on site, where the kids can take buy some souvenirs to take home.Flamingo Lake
After a fascinating day out, we stopped off at the Flamingo Lake on the way home. After drinks and tapas in Fuente de la Piedra, we stopped off at this beautiful lake, and were amazed at the species of birds we saw. This salt lake is approximately 6.5km long and 2.5km wide, and is the most important breeding ground for flamingos in the Iberian Peninsula. This is unspoilt beauty at its best, and the nearby village has been generally untouched by tourism. Experience it soon before the visitor centres are built.Contact Details:- El Refugio del Burrito, Apartado 25, 29520, Fuente de Piedra (Malaga). Tel: (English speaking): 0034 952 735513. (Spanish speaking): 0034 952 735077.
Directions:-From Malaga take the road to Antequera. Follow the signs for Seville, taking the A-92 motorway. Take the junction marked 132 to Fuente de Piedra and head into the village, turning left next to the Hotel Fuente de Piedra. Follow the track and take the second turn on the left after passing a large house on your right. The sanctuary is situated at the end of this track.
more things to do in spain click here
Labels: Antequera, costa del sol, Donkey, spain, Villanueva de la Vera
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