The Donkey Shelter at Tongala is opening its gates to the public for its annual open day on Sunday, January 11, letting families have a look at what an ass-stounding life these creatures have.
The event begins at 10am, with entry just $20 per car. You'll learn about the shelter that houses over 200 donkeys from founder and owner May Dodd.
May first opened the gates to her donkey shelter 29 years ago in Diamond Creek, with her first four-legged client, Molly.
She has since purchased two properties in Tongala, one for herself and the other for her animals, and has rescued over 500 donkeys in the nearly three decades the shelter has been open.
On Sunday, visitors will meet some of the 117 donkeys who now call the Tongala property home, who were once either given to May for rehabilitation or rescued.
The 306-acre shelter runs purely off charity funds, providing a place for donkeys to wander freely.
“By and large, not all the donkeys are well when they come in, whether physically or emotionally,” she said.
“I will take any donkey for any reason, for any length of time, at no cost — there is no admission criteria — you just have to be a donkey.”
The shelter has built a devoted community of supporters across the country, with the Facebook page having over 5900 followers, and May herself receiving letters and monetary support to keep the shelter running.
She said it was the type of support she received online and on her annual open days that encouraged her on.
“I get beautiful letters and cards throughout the year, and that’s very encouraging because there are days when it gets you down, and you have one problem after another, and you’re thinking, my god, I don’t think I can keep doing,” May said.
“But getting all this positive feedback really drives me to keep doing what I’m doing.”
Visitors will get to hear more about the shelter from May herself on Sunday, as she takes people on tours around the property.
Drinks and a barbecue lunch will also be available for purchase while you spend time getting to know these gentle animals.
And a raffle and donkey shopping stall will be available, featuring ornaments and unique keepsakes to remember your visit.
For more information, visit the Donkey Shelter Tongala Facebook page.
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