For many years owning a donkey was the humble dream of city slicker Ina Kruger. The unpretentious modesty of the animal had always fascinated her.
In 2017, she decided to investigate the possibility of turning her dream into reality. The idea was nothing short of impractical, expensive and frankly a little insane, not to mention impossible. She had no equine experience, drove a small Fiat 500 and stayed in a one-bedroomed apartment in the CBD.
Still she decided to contact a few people, and finally she reached Sabine Derks, owner of Otjere Hoofbeat and a breeder of miniature donkeys and horses, in particular Welsh ponies and cobs. Derks gave Kruger valuable advice and agreed to keep in contact until an opportunity for ‘adoption’ presented itself.
Derks grins as she recalls the improbable phone call, made more so by the fact that she does not market her miniature donkeys at all.
The two women found common ground in their shared love of donkeys. Derks adores animals and goes the extra mile to ensure they are placed in the best possible homes. And rightfully so.
By early June 2019 Kruger decided to put the dream to bed after a sincere conversation with a close family friend made her realise that a donkey would require commitment, time and a lot of funding.
Much time had passed since her conversation with Derks but, in the words of the wise, everything happens at the right time and for the right reason. The stars aligned and Derks was unexpectantly contacted one morning with a request to help farmers find a home for a rescued donkey.
“Kruger’s name immediately came to mind and I passed on her number, hoping that she was still looking to adopt a donkey,” said Derks. “The young jack went through a lot of abuse and neglect and I knew Ina would give him the necessary love and attention he deserved.”
Back in the office, Kruger was sitting in a business meeting when her phone rang. The number was unfamiliar but she excused herself and took the call. The lady on the other end introduced herself as Charmaine Wright, owner of the Bobbejaan Dam Campsites, situated about 77km outside Windhoek.
“Hello Ina, I got your number from Sabine and I hear you are looking for a donkey.” Kruger’s heart skipped a beat. With a dry throat, she requested a few days to think it through. That was the adult in her. Her inner kid was screaming ‘just say YES!’.
It was decided. She would find a way to make it work. And so she did.
Wright explains that farm employees performed a routine inspection of the perimeter fencing on the farm when they noticed signs of poaching nearby. They found a young jack tied to the fence as well as a gemsbok calf and immediately alerted Wright. The calf was badly hurt after being attacked by a pack of dogs. In a collected effort they tried their best to save the animals but only managed to successfully make it home with the young donkey. It was too late for the little calf.
It’s A Donkey’s Life
A saddened Wright said: “I saw the young donkey was very thirsty and neglected. We untied him and took him home where I fed and gave him water to drink. He was not in a rideable condition. I feared for his safety and sought help from the appropriate authorities, which led me to Sabine.”
In Kruger’s call back to Wright she excitedly confirmed that she would be giving the donkey a new home. A ton of arrangements followed and in hindsight it was quite an adventure in uniting donkey and owner shortly thereafter.
On 23 July, 2019, Kruger, her mother and the same friend who attempted to talk her out of the adoption arrived at Bobbejaan Dam. Wright welcomed them and wasted no time in taking Kruger to the camp where a young, inconspicuous, grey donkey watched the approaching car, with long ears pointed up.
The short little one-eyed jack seemed curious and eager to meet them. Although his body was scarred and a blinded eye indicated that he did not have the best of days behind him, his charming and calm temperament was immediately apparent.
With a huff and a brief puff, he was lifted onto the back of a Ford bakkie. And after a quick introduction on that brisk winter morning, the humble Gert got his name. The necessary paperwork was finalised at the farmhouse and they were off to Windhoek once again.
While a cool winter breeze ruffled Gert’s mane on the back of the bakkie, Kruger silently sat next to him in awe. She felt as if Gert could see right through her soul. Their path together would not be without obstacles but it would be worth the while…
To see what Gert is up to, follow #GertTheNamDonkey on Instagram and stay updated on news from his friends at Otjere Hoofbeat on Facebook.
A Faithful Friend For Life
The knowledgeable Sabine Derks shares the following advice with aspiring donkey owners: “Be mindful that a donkey requires a lot of attention and love. Many farmers keep donkeys with their cattle herds as they fiercely defend the herds from predators. They come in different breeds and sizes and can be trained to perform various duties. It’s a hardy and highly intelligent animal and if you invest in your donkey, you will have a faithful friend for life.”
There are many animals in need of our support and care. If you see or suspect neglect or abuse, please report it to your local SPCA office.
• Maria Nolte
