In Mijas Pueblo, the iconic donkey taxi business is fading away. The donkey handlers, facing their least profitable year in 2025 due to stricter regulations on operating hours – particularly during the hottest days – and the gradual phasing out of permits by the Mijas council, are slowly giving up. The future of this traditional tourist attraction has its days counted.
In a poignant video shared by Donkey Dreamland, a local donkey rescue and sanctuary, volunteers are seen rescuing two donkeys from the village centre, following the collection of two others the previous day. The owners, overwhelmed, have voluntarily surrendered their animals to Amaya Isert, the sanctuary’s founder, and her dedicated team.
The donkeys, visibly exhausted, frightened, and bearing sores from saddles and harnesses used to carry tourists through Mijas Pueblo’s streets, are gently welcomed into Donkey Dreamland’s sanctuary. Here, they find spacious surroundings, clean stables, ample food and water, and the compassionate care of volunteers.
For many donkeys, this is a temporary haven. As reported by Euro Weekly News, younger and healthier donkeys will soon embark on a new chapter in the Sierra de Ronda, where they’ll help clear forest undergrowth to prevent wildfires. In this lush environment, they’ll roam freely, graze naturally, and rest in the shade of trees.
However, this transition comes at a steep cost for Donkey Dreamland. While the sanctuary continues to care for older or less fit donkeys, the influx of new rescues has strained its resources. With the centre temporarily closed to the public to manage these arrivals, income has dwindled. Donkey Dreamland urgently needs support to sustain its mission. Visit their website to learn how you can contribute.
The end of donkey suffering in Mijas is within reach. Be part of this historic change by supporting Donkey Dreamland in any way you can. There is a GoFundMe page under the name “Help us to give 8 ex donkey taxis the life they deserve.”
Read more on Euro Weekly News Spain
