Walk with Donkeys
Anatoli, Ierapetra
This place is owned by 2 fantastic donkey lovers originating from England. They are taking care for all abandoned donkeys in the whole area. You can visit them the whole year and hug with the donkeys or even take a ride on the small ones. If you would like to visit Crete and do some charity work this is a perfect chance.
‘Walk with donkeys’ sanctuary was started in 2006 and is runned by Alistair and Suzanne. It is a ‘not for profit’ charitable organisation registered in Greece,the first registered donkey sanctuary in Crete. They receive no money or help from the government. they only rely on fundraising and donations to help them to look after these wonderful and previously abused animals.
After witnessing a donkey being left out in the sun to die Susan and Alistair realised that they must start a home for unwanted donkeys so that their owners do not have to kill the donkeys when they are no longer of use to them.
Here in beautiful surroundings close to the village of Anatoli near Ierapetra, the donkeys can live peacefully and happily in the company of other donkeys. Here they receive love, care, food, water and any medical attention that is needed.
The donkeys that they take into their sanctuary are given a 'till death us do part' home. They do not sell or give away these donkeys. They do not believe in subjecting old donkeys to stressful and long journeys so therefore do not re-home them in other parts of Europe.
You can find the donkey sanctuary about 15km north west from Ierepetra. Drive on the road west from Ierepetra and drive towards Anatoli and before you reach Anatoli you find a sign on the right which will guide you to the sanctuary on a small road.
