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Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge
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Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge
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Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge
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Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge
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Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge
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Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge
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Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge
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Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge
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Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge
Story and photos by Chris Harris
Nestled in beautiful Turtle Valley, BC is the south Shuswap area’s greatest treasure, the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge. The Refuge is home to neglected, abused and unwanted donkeys that the charity has rescued and given permanent sanctuary. There are over 60 donkeys in residence at present and there will be more.
Donkeys played a vital role in the history of logging and mining activities in North America. They were imported from desert areas where they thrived and brought to environments that they were not “designed” to tolerate. With advances in transportation, these loyal, hardworking, grass-fueled “vehicles” eventually outlived their usefulness and most were released to fend for themselves in climates and environments that were not natural to them. A few were kept as pets. The donkeys we see today are their descendents, and we are pleased to offer many of them a forever home.
At the Refuge we are able to provide a safe and healthy environment where our rescued donkeys can regain their physical health and their trust in humans. This process requires great patience and understanding, often taking years of special care. Our visitors are able to assist with this process in many ways, one of which is touching and patting the donkeys. This helps restore their faith that humans will not hurt them. And, it is an experience not to be forgotten.
Each of our donkeys has its own special story – some come from loving homes where their humans have become too old or ill to care for them; some are just no longer wanted; and, unfortunately, far too many are from neglectful and abusive conditions that have resulted in pain and physical and emotional suffering.
One of the most compelling stories is that of our mammoth donkey Lady Bug who came to us in the Fall of 2011. She was rescued from northern Washington by a tow truck driver after her owner was in a car accident. We arranged to have her transported to a farm in the lower mainland where she was picked up by Rob and Chris from the Refuge and gently transported to her forever home with us. Details of her history were sketchy - we believed she was in her mid-twenties. We understood that she had been rescued once but that her human had fallen on hard times and could no longer care for her. We could see that she was in poor physical shape – sunken back, lowered head, and sad, sad eyes. She cringed and pulled away when we put our hands close to her head so we were certain from that and other typical behaviours that she had once been a roping donkey – a horrifically cruel ritual that is still used by many rodeo cowboys “in training”. Hers was a broken soul and our collective hearts hurt for her. Two years later, Lady Bug is a star at the Refuge. Her physical health is as good as it will be – she still eats special feed and we watch her very closely for signs that she is ailing. She has a very special friend, Sara, who has been a source of security and comfort for Lady Bug almost from the day she came into our care. But most wonderful is that she comes to the fence for pats from visitors – a positive sign that she is regaining her trust in humans. This is a result of the dedication of the caregivers at the Refuge who have patiently helped Lady Bug by spending countless hours with her, gently reintroducing her to a kind human touch. And of the visitors that give her hugs and pats and ear rubs when she comes to visit at the fence. She is still a broken soul but every day is better.
And it gets better – while we are working with these lovely creatures, thinking that we are doing something wonderful for them, they are quietly doing something wonderful to us. We call it Donkey Magic. It sneaks up on you – suddenly you realize that you feel so much better after spending time with the donkeys. A feeling of peacefulness and joy has come over you, along with an overwhelming desire to help care for these donkeys and the ones that will soon find their forever home here at the Refuge.
We do count on our visitors to assist us in ensuring that we will be able to continue to care for these amazing creatures as long as there is a need by providing financial support to the Refuge. A favorite way to do this is to choose a donkey that has touched their heart and sponsor them through a $50 donation. Actually, the donkey “chooses you”... but you have to come here to experience that very special phenomena (Donkey Magic Part Two).The Refuge accepts all donations, large or small and every penny goes to the care of the resident donkeys and to promoting kind and ethical treatment of all donkeys and other animals.
The Refuge is presently open to visitors on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from Easter through Thanksgiving. (It is always best to check the open hours and days on the website as they may change.) The other days of the week are reserved for routine veterinary and equine dentist visits, farrier work, farm and barn upkeep, and a resting period for the donkeys who so kindly entertain us on open days. Each month during open season we have a special event, and we make no secret of the fact that these events are serious fundraisers for our donkeys. We are a self-funded charity and cannot operate without generous supporters.
For RVers, the Refuge is situated close to several great RV camping areas, including the Skimikin Lake Campground – a perfect place for individual campers or for groups to gather. The Refuge is pleased to offer special tours to larger groups provided they book well in advanced of their planned visit. We are also contemplating the introduction of a one- or two-day experience that allows participants to experience – hands on - the day-to-day activities at the Refuge – a working farm and sanctuary – from barn cleaning to feeding to basic grooming. RV groups could make the Refuge their “destination” with an up close and personal day at the Refuge as their main activity.
Watch our website for further details or contact the Refuge. Please use the directions posted on our website as google maps is incorrect. For more information on visiting the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge call (250) 679-2778, email donkeyrefuge@gmail.com or checkout www.turtlevalleydonkeyrefuge.com