Solar Panels for Donkey Sanctuary

GO-FUND-ME PLEASE, FOR SOLAR POWER TO ENABLE GENEROUS WATER FLOW TO THE DONKEY SANCTUARY IN KIKOPEY, KENYA

This sanctuary was created by Vivien Prince, for the safety and rehabilitation of donkeys rescued from abuse and illegal slaughter by Brooke East Africa, in partnership with Farming Systems Kenya (a local NGO) and KSPCA (Kenya Society for the Protection of Animals). Many of these donkeys have been successfully rehomed. She now has 11 animals, down from the 43 that she initially started with.

Vivien is a U.S. citizen living in Kenya, on a farm near Lake Elementaita. Her leadership and knowledge of equine care have enabled her to train attendants who take very good care of the donkeys including feeding, watering and grooming them. She gets regular visits from KSPCA, and Farming Systems Kenya, who manage Donkey Care Clubs in schools, where children are taught compassion, welfare, and proper care of animals. Tourists also enjoy visiting the donkeys, socializing with them, and feeding them carrots. Many even have afternoon tea with the donkeys, with at least two donkeys delighting visitors by climbing onto the verandah.

Vivien fondly remembers the time when delegates from Brooke East Africa, a local NGO dedicated to the welfare of equines, kindly remarked, “There is nowhere in the world like this!”

She has also hosted farmers and donkey owners, engaging in mutual learning and advocacy. We emphasize that, “Donkeys are born with a cross on their backs. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus rode a donkey. They are sacred animals.” We stress the importance of stopping slaughter, ending abuse, reducing heavy loads, and promoting humane care.

Elementaita is a hot, dry, and dusty area. Water is vital for the plants, pasture, donkeys, monkeys, and birds that inhabit this place. However, the high cost of electricity to pump water is a challenge. The cost of a new water tank, servicing the borehole pump, and installing solar panels is estimated at KShs. 1.6M (approximately USD 12,403, plus tax).

With your help we can give these donkeys a home they can be proud of and a life worth living!

Your donation will be placed in Ihla Crowley's bank account in the United States, from which she will transfer the funds to Vivien to pay for the project. They will not be going to Kenya directly.