It beggers belief that the national government of Spain and the local government (Junta de Andalucia) contribute no financial nor practical assistance to save the Giant Donkeys of Andalucia, despite listing them in 2001 as being a “breed in danger of extinction”. Were it not for the efforts of Marlene and Steven Byrd, and a small band of volunteers, it might be already too late for these magnificent animals – of which there may be as few as 450 left.
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On a few hectares of land alongside their finca (house) in the hills between Marbella and Estepona, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, they care for more than twenty donkeys at their breeding sanctuary. Every day of their lives is devoted to their charges and holidays are a thing of the past. The temperature during the Summer months regularly exceeds 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but the work still goes on.
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Most Saturdays of the year, Marlene can be seen at the Peurto Banus market handing out leaflets and soliciting donations, which is where I first met her. Without financial support from the public they would be unable to meet the cost of vets, farriers and the food bill. The sanctuary is open to the public every Sunday and they derive some income from the small number of visitors who leave donations or sponsor a donkey.
In the spare time she doesn’t have, Marlene is President of ANCRA (Asociacion National de Criadores Rasal Asnal Andaluzia) in English, The National Association of Breeders of the Andaluz Donkey. For more information click here to go to the ANCRAA website. The following is her personal description of the Giant Donkeys of Andalucia;
“These are not your average donkeys as fondly remembered from seaside holidays of yesteryear, these beauties are around 1.45m- 1.50m to the wither, which means they are VERY large. Their special gentle character, grey/white colouring and beautiful facial bone structure with their exquisite eyes are their most outstanding features. As mans’ special workmate, they have carried water, olives, oranges, lemons, farm produce, building materials etc and up in the cork forests they were used for carrying huge loads of cork. In the fields they ploughed and harrowed and sowed in perfect harmony with man. After work groomed to perfection and dressed in colourful authentic Spanish headgear and backpack etc they carried the romantic young man to the next village to woo his sweetheart! Who could resist man and beast so handsomely presented!! It is only the advent of agricultural machinery, trucks and the motorcar that has made them redundant and therefore expendable, and sadly forgotten. Suddenly you begin to realize that there are no large donkeys to be seen around and the planet could be losing another member. Please don’t let it happen.”
What I find so strange is that the Andalusians have a great love of horses and like nothing more than parading (read posing) in their national dress astride a beautiful horse, sucking up admiration like a sponge. Yet these same people have no feelings whatsoever for the “humble” donkey that has served Spain, and their ancesters, so well over the centuries. Black bulls don’t do to well there either!
In Spain the donkey is considered stubborn and slow. Second Spanish dictionary descriptions define it as an “idiot”, “oaf” and “stupid”, so it’s not surprising it’s PR ‘aint too good. The truth is much different! They learn quickly, are intellegent and they enjoy the company of humans. Could it be they are only stubborn when human handlers ask too much of them? I call that clever.
If you are ever on the Costa del Sol, taking a break between golf games or recovering from sunburn, then pop along to the sanctuary and meet Marlene and Steven, you might even get to cuddle a donkey. You will be made very welcome, as I was.
Details and a map are on the website.
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