If you are looking for a great day out for all the family and at the same time help out one of many animal charities based  here in Andalucia then the Donkey Center ANCRAA is well worth a visit.

ANCRAA. The National Association of Breeders of the Andaluz Donkey {Asociacion Nacional de Criadores de la Raza Asnal Andaluza} is a charity dedicated this popular breed of donkey that  is in danger of extinction.

The turn off for the center is located between Estepona and Marbella at km 164  on the N340. The road is more of a dirt track and there are signs marked  “ANCRAA” which takes you on a drive past some new developments. When you reach a roundabout head straight across until you reach a turnoff on the left marked “ANCRAA” and “Finca Los Pajaritos

The centre is run by a dedicated team of volunteers who have commited themselves to the task of saving this breed of Donkey from extinction.. The Andaluz Donkey is part of the history and heritage of Andalucia and the centre relies on donations and support from the many visitors that visit each year to support its project to first save and then increse the numbers of this splendid animal.

The  Andaluz Donkey is much larger than the donkeys that can be found giving rides at the fairs and fiestas across Andalucia.
They range in size from 1.30m/1.35m – 1.56 and larger for a Jack.They are a stunning silver grey in colour and can often be dappled.

The center is always looking for more volunteers and they offer residential volunteer placements for people who wish to help out. There are requirements that need to be met to be considered as a volunteer and full details of these conditions can be found on the website. http://www.ancraa.org. The centre is currently taking applications for volunteers for June 2008.

If you would prefer you could Sponsor a Donkey which is a great way to help the centre. The current cost is 50 Euros for the year which will go towards the upkeep of the donkeys. In return you will a photo of your chosen donkey, framed and with a certificate and the story so far of your donkey. You can also visit your chosen donkey during the year and if you wish you can renew your sponsorship each year.

Another way to support this worthwhile charity is to make a donation which can be done on their website http://www.ancraa.org.

However the best thing to do is to go along to the center and spend the day merting the owners and the volunteers who are on hand to answer all your questions about this magnificent breed and to get to know the donkeys themselves.

After spending the day looking round you can also take home some gifts, make a donation or even sponser one of the donkeys.

It is a great day out for all the family so why not head along to the center.