Cinnamon the donkey has captured the heart of Jo Welsby, a devoted animal welfare advocate who has been visiting Cyprus for over two decades. Her recent journey to a donkey shelter in 2024 revealed the harsh realities faced by these gentle creatures, prompting her to initiate a significant fundraising project to bring Cinnamon and another donkey to a better life in the UK.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Cinnamon: Jo Welsby’s Commitment to Donkeys
Jo Welsby, a regular visitor to Cyprus with 32 trips under her belt, has dedicated twenty years to improving animal welfare on the island. During one of her visits, she encountered Cinnamon, a warm brown donkey with a distinctive and rare colouration. The conditions in which Cinnamon and his companions lived were far from ideal, residing in a shelter that struggled to meet their needs.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
Inspiration from a Gentle Soul
“What instantly drew me to Cinnamon was his gentle nature,” Jo shared with the Cyprus Mail. “He often chooses to be away from the main herd, seeking a quiet spot with just a few other donkeys.” Jo’s emotional connection with Cinnamon led her to make the bold decision to rescue him and a fellow donkey, aiming to transport them to the UK for a brighter future.
Fundraising for a Cause
Back home in the UK, Jo has volunteered with the Worcester Donkey Rescue for the last two years, which has generously offered to provide Cinnamon and another donkey a permanent home. To realise her dream of rescuing these donkeys, Jo needs to raise £11,000 (over €12,700) for their transport—a daunting challenge she has accepted with determination.
Challenges Facing Donkeys in Cyprus
Despite being a protected species under Cyprus law, donkeys face numerous challenges. Jo noted that while strict policies and adoption programmes exist, enforcement remains inconsistent. “There’s little deterrent in terms of punishment for those who exploit or abuse them,” she explained. Moreover, Jo highlighted the crucial need for island-wide neutering and education to combat the ongoing issues.
The Plight of Donkeys
Many donkeys on the island endure backbreaking workloads, inadequate care, and exposure to the elements without proper shelter. Jo revealed that “they spend years in harsh conditions, suffering from injuries and often dying alone and in pain.” The shelters, including the largest one on the island, are often underfunded and overpopulated, with more than 1,500 animals relying on limited resources.
A Vision for a Better Life
Jo’s ultimate goal is to ensure that Cinnamon and his companion experience a peaceful and healthy life at the rescue farm in the UK. The facility promises to provide them with one-on-one attention, veterinary care, and a loving team of volunteers dedicated to their wellbeing. “They deserve to live out their days in a caring environment,” Jo expressed passionately.
Community Support and Ongoing Efforts
So far, Jo has raised just under half of the required funds, thanks to the contributions of over 200 supporters. While her efforts to rescue two donkeys may seem like a small step, Jo firmly believes that every bit counts. “If I can play a part in giving two gentle, innocent animals a chance at a new life, I owe it to them to try,” she stated.
How to Help
Those who wish to support Jo’s mission to help Cinnamon and another donkey can contribute through her GoFundMe campaign, titled ‘Help bring Cyprus donkeys, Cinnamon and friend, to UK rescue.’ Every donation, no matter how small, brings Jo closer to her goal and offers hope to these deserving animals.
In a world where many animals suffer in silence, with so few willing to stand up for them, Jo Welsby’s commitment to donkeys like Cinnamon shines as a beacon of hope. Her journey demonstrates that with love, dedication, and community support, the lives of these animals can be transformed for the better.