Donate

Help us to protect donkeys and mules

Adopt

Join the adoption family and you'll have a friend for life

Sponsor

A unique way to support our ongoing work

Foster

Provide a home to a pair of donkeys

Donkeys at heart

Il Rifugio degli Asinelli was established in 2006 and is a subsidiary of The Donkey Sanctuary, UK founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen MBE. It is only through her amazing devotion to donkeys and hard work that the Sanctuary grew to the international charity it is today. Over 50 million donkeys and mules exist in the world. Many need care and protection from a life of suffering and neglect, whilst others have a vital role to play in human survival and happiness; they are at the heart of everything we do here at Il Rifugio degli Asinelli.

Welcome to our family

We are delighted that you have decided to visit Il Rifugio degli Asinelli and that you share our love and compassion for donkeys and mules, such gentle and affectionate creatures. Our work is funded entirely by donations and legacy gifts. Your kindness and generosity will help us to care and protect one of the world’s most hard working and humble creatures and help enrich so many lives... for that we are truly grateful.

Latest news

Grazing donkeys at Il Rifugio

DISTANCE ADOPTION INCREASE

When you decided to support our Rifugio adopting a donkey, you made a truly special gesture.

L'asinello Tudor

Goodbye, "Grandpa" Tudor

Many are the animals arrived at Il Rifugio over the years, to which we could attribute more esteems than certanties: on their past, actual age and inner wounds.

Sara Turetta con alcuni asini a Cernavoda

Sara Turetta presents her book "I cani, la mia vita" at Il Rifugio degli Asinelli

Saturday 27 August Il Rifugio degli Asinelli will be open to the public from 10.00 am to...

Ciarli, Rolinda e Battistina in their new home

Foster day

Becoming foster owners of a couple of donkeys is truly a unique, exciting and rewarding experience. In fact, it will allow you to take care daily of wonderful and lovely animals as donkeys are, creating a deep special bond.

Resident donkey at Il Rifugio

May-September 2022 openings to the public

Our next 2022 openings to the public will be on May, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29, from 10.00 until 05.30 P.M.

Resident donkeys at Il Rifugio

May 2022 Openings to the public

Our next 2022 openings to the public will be on May, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29, from 10.00 until 05.30 P.M.