Helping donkeys

At the present time our centre hosts 105 donkeys. They were mistreated, neglected or, in some case, relinquished by their owners who are not more able to care for them.

Our animals come from different countries of Europe: Greece, Romania, France, Switzerland and Italy.

Every donkey admitted to the Rifugio has the guarantee of a future of care and respect by a specialized and dedicated staff.

No donkey that belongs to the Rifugio will be never sold, transferred, borrowed or bred. He could be rehomed in a new family if and when he would be totally rehabilitated.

Ciccio's new life

Ciccio was bought by a young English couple who had decided to leave London to go and live in a little city in Southern Italy.

This seemed a perfect way to start a new life, far from traffic and smog. Their dream was to have two donkeys and open a refuge for stray dogs. After spending time fencing the property, their two donkeys arrived - Ciccio and Clementina.

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Maria becomes a proud mother

Maria and her donkey friend, Jonny, had always lived together since being born, but unfortunately their owner wasn't able to look after them any longer and asked for our help.

On arrival from Valli di Lanzo (Lanzo Valley) in December 2008 both Maria and Jonny had severe problems with their hooves as well as being covered in parasites.

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Welcome to four new donkeys

Weeks of new arrivals at Il Rifugio: we have homed four donkeys with similar past stories. After lives of love, their previous owners were not able to take care of them, so they looked for a new home.
That's how came to Il Rifugio Mario and Amy, from Vercelli province, followed by Piccola and Stellina, from Iseo Lake (see picture).

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