Doukades, Grécia
Help taking care of donkeys and other animals in their retirement.
WE ARE CURRENTLY ONLY ABLE TO ACCEPT VOLUNTEERS FROM WITHIN EUROPE.
8 Project reviews of Corfu Donkey Rescue
Project Details
Taking care of the unwanted and abandoned donkeys on the island of Corfu in Greece.
We would like to welcome you to Corfu Donkey Rescue and thank you
for your interest in our work. We are a donkey rescue on the Greek island
of Corfu.
WHO ARE WE?
Corfu Donkey Rescue is the only donkey rescue on the island of Corfu. In
2004 we acquired our first donkey – now we have helped over 500
donkeys.
The Corfu Donkey Rescue (CDR) was founded in 2004 by Judy Quinn who
moved from the United Kingdom and then decided to provide a safe-haven
for the abandoned donkeys on the island. The rescue was first established
in the village of Poulades and by 2006 was recognised by the Greek
government as a registered Greek charity organization; the first donkey
charity in Greece. After years of difficulties with the neighbours, CDR
received permission to settle on new land in 2009. By that winter, some
donkeys were already moved to the new location with shelter from a tent
which was donated to us. In summer 2010, construction of the shelter
began and all donkeys were moved to their new and current home in
Doukades. Improvements are made every year according to finance.
WHAT DO WE DO?
Our greatest concern is the well-being of our donkeys. At Corfu Donkey Rescue we do everything possible to give the donkeys a peaceful life and a retirement in dignity. Therefore we bought a piece of land that is beautifully located in the nature, surrounded by olive trees and the mountains of Corfu.
The donkeys at CDR are brought in by their owners, donkey dealers, or
found by people who contact us to help out. The donkeys are old and often
sick or injured. The donkeys that come to CDR are here for the remainder
of their lives. Although we are a donkey rescue, some cats and dogs are
taken in on discretion of the committee only.
The first donkey arrived on Corfu from Malta in the 1800’s. Since then they were imported from mainland Greece, Albania, Cyprus and Eastern European countries. Used for transportation of people and in agriculture seasonally for the olive harvest, the Corfu donkeys have had to work very hard. This is compounded by their very small size and the lack of equine knowledge to give expert veterinary, foot and dental treatment. Even the traditional Corfiot saddle, the samara, is so badly designed as to cause permanent damage to most donkeys at an early age. The rapidly declining use of the donkey on Corfu and throughout Greece renders the animals valueless except for export to the Italian meat markets. Corfu Donkey Rescue’s main remit over the years has been to halt the exports by taking in the old, injured and sick donkeys and caring for them here. We believe that after 20 years hard labour they deserve a peaceful retirement as opposed to being discarded by a variety of inhumane methods.
WHERE WE WORK
Greece is in the south of Europe. It is a democratic republic since 1974 and part of the European Union since 1981. There are 1.700 islands around Greece. Corfu (Kerkyra in Greek) is located in the northwest of Greece, in the Ionian Sea: it is the second largest Ionian island. Corfu has approximately 113.000 citizens; one-third of them live in Corfu Town. Corfu is a green island with many olive trees. The coast is very rocky and there are many bays. CDR is located near the village of Doukades, in the western/north western part of Corfu. Doukades is a traditional village with a venetian style in the municipality of Paleokastritsa. The village contains a small square and a few restaurants. The closest beaches in the area are in the village of Liapades and Paleokastritsa. These villages are more touristic; with hotels, restaurants and bars. In Paleokastritsa there is a small harbour and a monastery – the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) monastery. Corfu is considered a safe place to travel. There are no specific health requirements for travelling to Greece. (Please check your own countries restrictions and requirements with regard to COVID-19). Mosquitos can be a nuisance but we do not have malaria here. Repellants are recommended.
OUR MISSION
As a refuge we aim to give:
- the old a safe and happy retirement;
- the sick a chance of cure;
- the injured the chance of recovery;
- the abused the chance of regaining trust and hope
- and the abandoned the feeling of security again.
OUR GOAL
Taking care of the unwanted and abandoned donkeys on the island is also effectively stopping the transport of Corfu donkeys for slaughter in Italy.WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Volunteers and students are part of the daily life at the shelter and are welcome throughout the year. Experience with donkeys or animals is not necessary, however huge compassion for the animals is a must. Volunteers should be enthusiastic and have a positive attitude and be happy to deal with the general public during the summer months.During your stay you will have to put the interest of the animals before your own comfort. Students at CDR will also be taught basic first aid, medical requirements and any veterinary work that is done on a daily basis. Interested volunteers are also welcome to learn.
Please note, we can only accept volunteers and students who can speak and have a good understanding of the English language. Sadly, we are unable to assist in obtaining visas and relevant travel documentation required by volunteers from certain countries. You would need to complete these requirements by yourself.
Volunteers must be 20 years or older and must commit to a minimum stay of two weeks. Students are accepted at 18 years plus. For your own sake and for the sake of our donkeys please note that we do not accept applications from volunteers or students who are pregnant or suffer from severe mental or physical problems like back problems, rheumatism, arthritis, asthma, allergies towards dust, etc.
WHY CHOOSE US
We are a small charity taking care of approximately 30 donkeys in their retirement. We rely solely on public donations and help from volunteers both local and from abroad. We are trying hard to improve the lives of our four-legged residents and we need your help to do that. Looking after animals that cannot take care of themselves is extremely rewarding and satisfying.
The main focus of the project is on
NPO Status
Yes, registered non-profit organization
Foundation Year
2004
Contact Person
Julie Doran
Spoken Languages
English
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