When they are exhausted, the owners often hit them with sticks to get them to hurry. Donkeys in Greek islands are not treated humanely and their owners have no respect for them. They are forced to work and stand the whole day in the beating sun deprived of shade, rest, water or food.
What is the weight limit for the donkey ride in Santorini?
220 poundsAccording to the Greek Ministry of Rural Development and Food, anyone who wishes to ride the donkeys must weight less than 100 kilograms (or 220 pounds), CNN reports. The new guidelines accommodate for one-fifth of the animal's body weight, which is the recommended amount that a donkey can carry.
How many steps are on the donkey Trail in Santorini?
600 stepsPut yourself in their hooves: that is the message holidaymakers will be asked to consider before deciding to ascend the 600 steps that zigzag up the cliffs of Santorini on the back of a donkey.
Where are donkeys mistreated?
In Zimbabwe, donkeys endure the most horrific abuse every day. They are forced to work when they are too young to do so and made to carry loads far too heavy for their bodies. They work without rest, water or food, and when they weaken, they are beaten or stabbed to force them to continue.
Are donkeys in Santorini treated well?
Eyewitness footage taken in the summer of 2022 shows that the animals of Santorini still suffer daily. PETA Germany's undercover investigation reveals that donkeys are forced to carry heavy loads, are given practically no respite from the hot Mediterranean sun, and are denied access to food and water.
Should you ride the donkeys in Santorini?
On top of that there can be up to 8000 cruise ship passengers in port in Santorini at any given time. With around 400 Donkeys and Mules on the island, how many times have those animals been made to do that trek in a single day? Verdict: Do NOT ride the Donkeys.
Can a 200 pound person ride a donkey?
Standard donkeys may be able to carry up to 125 lbs. But keep in mind, this includes tack! So a large child or even a small adult may be able to ride them. Mammoth donkeys can carry an adult.
How are the donkeys treated in Santorini?
On the Greek island of Santorini, tourists can pay to have donkeys and mules haul them up a grueling 500 steps to the town of Firá. PETA Germany has published three different investigations exposing the miserable lives of these animals, who are forced to serve as “taxis” at this tourist attraction.
Do people still ride donkeys in Santorini?
The team of Santorini Donkey is families and owners of Donkeys for over 100 years. We are the ones that keep the traditional ways of transportation alive and offer a unique experience cultural sight-seeing tours on the beautiful paths of Santorini for everyone who wants a taste of the real Santorini!
Why do they skin donkeys alive?
The collagen taken from their skin is used in the production of ejiao, an ingredient used in traditional Chinese remedies.
What are the injuries to the donkeys in Santorini?
How are donkeys treated?
Working AnimalsThey are often forced to do more work than their small bodies can handle. And because they can be bought so inexpensively, they are very poorly taken care of. Since a new donkey is often cheaper than veterinary care, sick or injured donkeys are often tied to posts without food or water and left to die.
Is it ethical to ride a donkey?
The Donkey Sanctuary does not endorse or encourage the use of donkeys or their hybrids (mules and hinnies, herein described as donkeys) in any form of entertainment. The Donkey Sanctuary does however recognise that donkeys are used for riding and novelty events such as donkey derbies.
Do donkeys like being ridden?
The average donkey is too small to be ridden by adults, but mammoth donkeys are sufficiently large in stature to bear as much weight as a small horse could handle. They can be a pleasure to ride as long as you aren't in a hurry and don't attempt to push them out of their comfort zone.
How big is too big to ride a donkey?
Most mini donkeys could only carry a small child (best case scenario). Standard donkeys may be able to carry up to 125 lbs. But keep in mind, this includes tack! So a large child or even a small adult may be able to ride them.
How much is a donkey skin worth?
According to Christelis, a donkey would fetch about US$30 at auction five years ago. Now they cost about $125 each. That is still a relative bargain in China where donkey hides that sold for $473 in 2018 now sell for $1,160. The ejiao produced from them can sell for up to $360 per kilogram.
Why do the Chinese want donkey skins?
In recent years, there's been a huge, rising demand for donkey hides in China, where they are used to make an ancient health-related product called ejiao. Ejiao is made from collagen that's been extracted from donkey hides mixed with herbs and other ingredients to create medicinal and health consumer products.
Is it ethical to ride donkeys in Santorini?
The saddles and bridles are unsuitable for riding and transporting tourists. Having animals stand in the blazing sun without providing water or food is cruel. The animals are usually overloaded when transporting tourists (sometimes two riders on one animal) up the steep stairs.”
Do donkeys feel pain?
Several studies have confirmed that indicators of a donkey in pain may include sham eating, chewing, generalized dullness, shifting weight to contralateral limb, unresponsive/decreased mobility of ears, twitching tail, and tail tucked [3,4,5].
Are donkeys in pain?
Researchers have confirmed that donkeys have far more subtle ways of expressing pain than horses.
Do donkeys show pain?
Several studies have confirmed that indicators of a donkey in pain may include sham eating, chewing, generalized dullness, shifting weight to contralateral limb, unresponsive/decreased mobility of ears, twitching tail, and tail tucked [3,4,5].