A DEEPLY RESPECTED CYPRIOT ANIMAL
AN ICONIC SYMBOL OF THE ISLAND'S RURAL HERITAGE
The Cyprus donkey is often considered an iconic symbol of the island’s rural heritage. Although these animals today have transitioned into a protected and cherished tourist attraction, historically they were prized for their strength, patience, and stability in rural farming communities across the island. This animal, as a result, was once the backbone of local agriculture throughout the island.
STRAINS & CHARACTERISTICS
The donkey population in Cyprus mainly consists of two distinct genetic strains that are separated by appearance.
• The Large Dark: Features a dark-colored coat with a distinctly pale or white belly. This strain is believed to be of European origin and is much more prominent across the island.
• The Small Grey: A smaller, grey-coated strain of African descent that accounts for roughly 20% of the island’s native population.
HISTORICAL ROLE
For centuries, donkeys were indispensable to Cypriot village life. They served as pack animals to haul olives, carobs, and cereal crops across steep hillsides. They were also used to draw water from deep wells and power traditional stone mills. However, as tractors and trucks became widespread in the mid-20th century, many working donkeys were left behind or abandoned.
A SYMBOL OF HARD WORK
For centuries, the Cypriot donkey has been the most indispensable and respected domestic animal on the island. The Cypriot donkey was not only a symbol of hard work, but for a time, was the island’s only means of transport. It was also a status symbol, much like a car is today, and every village farmer had one.
A DIMINISHING ROLE
The advancement of technology meant that the donkey’s role in Cypriot society would drastically diminish. New modern farming techniques, which included new mechanised systems, made the role of this domestic working animal redundant. Their transport role also became untenable after the arrival of MOTORISED VEHICLES.
A NEW ATTRACTION
The advent of modern tourism meant that the Cypriot donkey soon became somewhat of a tourist attraction as opposed to a working domestic animal. This meant that their numbers soon dropped sharply, and in 2008, they were officially declared endangered. Cypriot donkeys, as a result, can only be found in dedicated donkey farms today. These sanctuaries also form part of the island’s ongoing conservation program. Donkey rescue work in Cyprus is often carried out by small volunteer groups. Some of these groups operate under the umbrella of larger animal welfare charities as part of established donkey sanctuaries.
ANIMAL SANCTUARIES & DONKEY WELFARE CENTRES
Cyprus today has dedicated sanctuaries and interactive heritage farms that generally look after the island’s remaining donkey population. These can all be found at the following locations.
PAPHOS DISTRICT
Akamas Donkey Rescue: Based in the Akamas region of Paphos, this rescue centre focuses on rescuing and raising awareness in the greater Paphos communities.
Donkey Rescue Cyprus: Aims to rescue and rehabilitate all Cyprus donkeys in the greater Paphos region.
Paphos Donkey Sanctuary: Aims to re-home all donkeys in the greater Paphos region.
Cypriot Donkey Farm: A smaller, cash-only farm located near the Latchi area. Visitors can freely walk among the donkeys in an open environment and feed them carobs.
Animal Protection Organisation Paphos: Rehomes cats and dogs, as well as donkeys in the greater Paphos region.
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Argonaftis Donkey Farm in Kelokedara: A dedicated donkey sanctuary based in the village of Kelokedara.
LIMASSOL DISTRICT
Limassol Donkey Welfare & Rescue: Focuses on welfare, rescue missions, and re-homing in the greater Limassol region.
Troodos Mountain Donkey Sanctuary: Focuses on working with donkeys that were used for transport historically. This organisation focuses on welfare initiatives and adoption programs.
Cyprus Donkey Protection Society: Advocates rescue initiatives across Cyprus, coordinating with other sanctuaries and volunteers.
Apesia Hills Donkey Riding Park: Based in the village of Apesia, this sanctuary focuses on donkey welfare for the greater Limassol region.
LARNACA DISTRICT
Larnaca Donkey Rescue Network: Based in the Larnaca district, this centre focuses on welfare and rescue in the greater Larnaca region.
Golden Donkeys Farm: Based in the village of Skarinou, this is the largest donkey farm in Cyprus. Rehoming donkeys from all over the greater Larnaca region, this facility can host up to 200 animals at any one time. The centre also regularly offers educational tours, feeding areas, donkey-milk cosmetics, and traditional Cypriot food tastings.
FAMAGUSTA DISTRICT
Donkey Farm Avgorou: Based in the village of Avgorou, this centre focuses on the welfare and rescue of donkeys in both the Larnaca and Famagusta regions.
