The refuge for donkeys in Glen William, south of Dungog, is opening its doors on October 2 to celebrate World Animal Day with a picnic and tour of the facilities. 

Visitors will be able to get up close and personal with the donkeys and see the new Intensive Care Unit, which helps donkeys regain their health and happiness.

They will also learn how the sanctuary helps old and sick donkeys. 

Most of the donkeys who live at the sanctuary have had a tough past. 

Friend of the Sanctuary Lynne Taylor urged families to come along. 

“Enjoy a wonderful day in the picturesque Hunter Valley and have the unique opportunity of meeting our wonderful friendly donkeys,” she said.

“This year we also have a special display of super-cute miniature goats from Petite Bleat.”

Visitors can bring your own picnic, or pay for a delicious vegan burger lunch. 

“As this is a day to celebrate the animals, the burgers will be our famous meat free ones,” she said. 

Donkey whisperer Jo-Anne Kokas founded the sanctuary 26 years ago. 

She said it cost about $2000 a year to maintain each donkey and it was often hard to convince people to donate to the cause.

The charity does not receive any government funding and relies solely on the public’s support. 

‘‘When people want to help animals, no one thinks of donkeys,” she said.‘‘They think of dogs, cats, rabbits, worms, pigs, horses. No one thinks of donkeys.’’

Mrs Kokas was breeding donkeys in the 1970s when they were a trend animal and everybody wanted to have one as a pet.She started the sanctuary in 1990 after wild donkeys were rounded up to sell at saleyards and she saw the cruelty that had been bestowed upon them. 

The sanctuary now cares for up to 130 donkeys over 300 acres of hill and flat grazing country. 

Gates open at 10am. Cost is $15 per person or $30 to have lunch and desert provided.Visit www.donkeyrescue.org.au