Severe Flooding Threatened Karoo Donkey Sanctuary
What should have been a day of celebration for World Donkey Day turned into a crisis for the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary. Following heavy rains and flash floods in the De... The post Severe Flooding Threatened Karoo Donkey Sanctuary appeared first on Good Things Guy.
Black News 
What should have been a day of celebration for World Donkey Day turned into a crisis for the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary. Following heavy rains and flash floods in the De Rust region, teams fought to save what they could, and they are asking the community to stand with them during this difficult time.
De Rust, South Africa (11 May 2026) – Just two months after battling a crippling drought, the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary is now facing a devastating flood emergency following severe storms in the De Rust region.
The area received 62 mm of rain within 24 hours. That is nearly 25% of the sanctuary’s average annual rainfall, causing extensive damage across the property and placing rescue operations under severe strain.
The Level 8 severe weather warning was issued by the South African Weather Service as floodwaters surged through the sanctuary grounds.
The result? Devastating.
Floodwaters uprooted trees, damaged fencing, and tore through grazing fields, while emergency crews work around the clock to protect shelters and secure vulnerable areas. Teams dug trenches, reinforced structures, and carried out urgent repairs as heavy rain continued.
Thankfully, despite the dangerous conditions, all animals at the sanctuary remain safe.
However, the situation remains critical as the river running through the property continues to rise.
“We are incredibly grateful that all our animals are safe, but the damage is severe, and the danger is not over,” said Jonno Sherwin, Founder and CEO of the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary.
“Our emergency teams are doing everything possible to protect the donkeys and maintain operations during the storm, but we urgently need public support.”
The worst seems to have passed for the sanctuary, but the work is only just beginning as they prep for winter.
As winter sets in, the sanctuary is currently appealing for emergency donations to assist with:
- Protecting and reinforcing shelters
- Repairing flood damage and fencing
- Providing emergency feed and veterinary care
- Keeping rescue and emergency response teams operational throughout the storm
Every contribution will go directly toward winter emergency response efforts, animal safety, repairs, feed, and essential supplies..
The appeal came on World Donkey Day (8 May 2026) and highlights the sanctuary’s ongoing commitment to vulnerable animals such as Bahati, a donkey rescued in Limpopo in January 2025 after surviving a near-fatal wildlife encounter.
You can make a donation using the banking details below. For more information, email jonno@karoodonkey.org or visit the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary Facebook page.
- Karoo Donkey Sanctuary
- Standard Bank
- Current Account
- Account Number: 30 087 404 9
- Branch: Tygermanor
- Branch Code: 000410
- Reference: Flood + Your Name
Sources: Karoo Donkey Sanctuary
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