Since we are on the subject of our interesting 1st world/3rd world blend, here's another sight we commonly see around here. There are all sorts of controversies surrounding the care of the donkies and the threat to motorists on busy roads, but they do provide a living to enterprising people who would have no other way to survive, and they are certainly are picturesque! Here they are in the upmarket suburb of Walmer.
They are a lot of pleasure, these animals, and they survive, though often overworked and underpaid. But it is good to see a healthy pair working as in this photograph. Very nice.
ReplyDeleteI think the donkies should be worried about the motorists! Great find.
ReplyDeleteI love this photo. We don't have that in Joburg at all, other than in the townships.
ReplyDeleteNice photo! It's a common scene here in my country, too.
ReplyDeleteOh, how homesick you make me now! I knew it was Walmer long before I even glanced at the caption - having grown up there I've seen these my whole life. I know that there are an awful lot of abused and neglected donkeys in Walmer Township though...
ReplyDeletethere is a group called "Donkey Care" or something similar who do wonderful work, educating owners about why it is in their interests to care for their animals, and teaching them how. They have agreements with local vets and farriers to care for their hooves etc, and raise funs to help treat sick ones. Last year a local gallery had a donkey exhibition, many local artists did donkey paintings and part of the proceeds from sales went to this great organisation. (If you want to see the painting i did for it, you can see it at http://arty-fartying-around.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-work.html )
ReplyDeletejeanne, here in 10 days, cool, if you want to do coffee, drop us an email!
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