TONI YOUNGHUSBAND
Greyton is celebrated for its natural beauty, trails for hikers and bikers, and its hospitable residents but there’s another gem in the valley that’s attracting visitors and locals - its donkey sanctuary.
L ocated on the Villiersdorp/Middelp- laas Road 10 km from the centre of town, EARS Donkey Sanctuary is proving a popular weekend destination for families looking to keep children entertained, and for adults needing a restful, gentle escape from the hustle and bustle of modern-day life. It is also a place of healing: with their soulful eyes, slow movements, and gentle, non-judgmental personalities, donkeys are said to be potent allies for people healing from trauma, mental health issues, and addiction. Jo Sedgwick, whose Overstory guest- house falls within the sanctuary’s bound- ary, says the donkeys have a profound impact on her guests. “Guests say they feel at peace with the world having inter- acted with the donkeys.” She recalls one
severely traumatised donkey’s surprise interaction with a quiet young visitor. “Cocoa never went near humans, but he walked straight up to this woman and was loving around her. She later told me that she had Asperger’s syndrome. I believe Cocoa sensed that,” Jo says. “Donkeys are very stoic creatures, solid and grounded and being quiet and still in their presence helps you reconnect with yourself again.” Sanctuary manager Penny James believes donkeys are the most therapeutic animals on the planet. “Hugging a donkey stills your heart”. The sanctuary was originally a riding school on farmland owned by the Sedg- wick family, but a decade ago a badly in- jured donkey changed all that. Genevieve opened the floodgates and today the sanctuary houses 15 rescue donkeys and
a handful of rescue ponies and horses, including oldest donkey resident Pedro (41) and a cheeky Shetland pony called JellyTot. “The sanctuary has a wonderful calming effect on visitors; the moment you stroke a donkey’s soft, furry neck you feel at ease,” says EARS chairperson Clare Surtees. “It’s a haven not only for abused and abandoned donkeys but for tired and stressed humans too.” Visitors are taken on a tour of the sanc- tuary where each donkey’s rescue story is revealed and its wide-open spaces, framed by glorious views of the Sonder- end mountains, encourage tech-obsessed kids to stretch their legs. There is no entry fee and visitors are welcomed 7 days a week but by appoint- ment only. To book your visit WhatsApp Penny on 082 660 6714
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Info & Bookings: Jo 083 327 6502 | josedgwick@twk.co.za @overstorygreyton Info & Bookings: Jo 083 327 6502 | josedgwick@twk.co.za @overstorygreyton
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