Happy Donkey Sanctuary – Free-Ranging Donkeys & Nature Project
Location: Monchique, Portugal
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Happy Donkey Sanctuary Algarve is a small, independent project centred around a family of five Andalusian donkeys living in the lower Monchique river area, surrounded by extensive eucalyptus forests and a largely secluded natural landscape.
The main idea of the project is to give the donkeys a life that is as natural, free and self-determined as possible. They are not used for riding or conventional donkey trekking. Instead, the donkeys are free to walk, explore and move according to their own choices. The project is sustained through gentle, animal-centred tourism, including free-ranging donkey walks and Donkey Wildlife Watching, where people experience the donkeys without controlling or riding them.
The donkeys usually return to their home area in the morning, where the stable and surrounding grounds need regular care and cleaning. The project also includes a small organic garden based on permaculture principles.
Another part of the work is maintaining walking paths in sections of the lower Monchique river area. Some paths become overgrown with blackberry bushes and need to be kept open, both for the donkeys and for people walking through the area.
The setting is particularly quiet and secluded, with very few people passing through. It offers an opportunity to spend time close to animals and nature, away from the pace and noise of everyday life.
The project is therefore not simply about looking after donkeys. It is about creating a way of living and working in which animals, people and the surrounding landscape can coexist with as little unnecessary control and interference as possible.
The main idea of the project is to give the donkeys a life that is as natural, free and self-determined as possible. They are not used for riding or conventional donkey trekking. Instead, the donkeys are free to walk, explore and move according to their own choices. The project is sustained through gentle, animal-centred tourism, including free-ranging donkey walks and Donkey Wildlife Watching, where people experience the donkeys without controlling or riding them.
The donkeys usually return to their home area in the morning, where the stable and surrounding grounds need regular care and cleaning. The project also includes a small organic garden based on permaculture principles.
Another part of the work is maintaining walking paths in sections of the lower Monchique river area. Some paths become overgrown with blackberry bushes and need to be kept open, both for the donkeys and for people walking through the area.
The setting is particularly quiet and secluded, with very few people passing through. It offers an opportunity to spend time close to animals and nature, away from the pace and noise of everyday life.
The project is therefore not simply about looking after donkeys. It is about creating a way of living and working in which animals, people and the surrounding landscape can coexist with as little unnecessary control and interference as possible.