Dear prospective Supporter,

The lives of 100 donkeys now depend on us.

I am writing to you from the picturesque Rét-patak valley in northern Hungary, situated on the border between the Aggtelek Karst and the Borsod Hills.

This is home to the ‘Rét-pataki donkeys’ – nearly a hundred Hungarian wild donkeys, whose fate now depends on our collective decision.

My name is György Markovics; I am a primary producer and grassland manager. All my life I have believed that animals are sentient beings, not tools. As a vegetarian and a committed animal rights activist, I have always helped where I could – I have made donations, taken part in rescues, and stood up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

I hadn’t planned on becoming a donkey keeper.

It was through an agro-ecological programme that I came into contact with Hungarian wild donkeys. I took 17 animals into my care as a keeper, taking on the responsibility for their upkeep. At the time, I had no idea that within a short time, nearly a hundred lives would be in my hands.

When I first faced the reality

in the summer of 2023, the herd was still living in decent conditions. In the autumn, however, I received alarming news: several animals had died.

When I went out to the farm in person, I encountered the most harrowing experience of my life.

The animals were starving.

The owner was battling a serious illness and could no longer oversee the farm. The person responsible for feeding the animals had failed in their duty. Bales of hay stood untouched whilst animals were dying. Some were crushed to death by falling bales as they tried to reach food.

We took immediate action. We put an end to the starvation and stabilised the situation. The owner – realising the seriousness of his condition – eventually asked me to take over the herd.

That is how I became responsible for nearly a hundred donkeys, and later their owner.

Why is this important, beyond the story of a single farm?

According to official data, around 5.8 million donkeys are killed worldwide every year – primarily for their skins, to produce scientifically unproven products. The number of donkeys slaughtered illegally, which are sold for counterfeit products, is unknown.

The market for donkey meat is becoming increasingly prevalent in Europe and Hungary.

A family’s helper – a source of joy for children 

For an animal that has been a helper to families, a source of joy for children, a helper to those living in the countryside, and a faithful companion to humans for centuries – this is morally and culturally grave and unacceptable.

What is needed:

· donkeys for leisure and therapy

· programmes supporting mental health (donkey therapy)

· sustainable grassland management for nature conservation

· a genuine approach to animal welfare

and to ensure that only those animals are born for whom a decent life can be guaranteed!

The current situation – in figures

The most pressing issue right now is feed.

A donkey consumes around 10 large round bales of hay during an autumn–winter season.

For nearly 100 donkeys, thisamounts to a cost of around 15 million forints per season, including delivery – and this figure may even rise depending on the weather.

Added to this are:

· pasture rental fees

· the shepherd’s wages

· use of machinery 

· veterinary costs

· infrastructure maintenance.

By now, I have spent all my savings and income on looking after the animals.

However, on my own, I cannot guarantee the safety of nearly a hundred lives in the long term.

That is why we are launching this fundraising campaign

Our goal:

• to provide winter feed
• to cover the shepherd’s wages
• to stabilise the herd (laying the foundations for their secure future)
• to develop a long-term sustainable, exemplary model in Hungary and, of course, with cross-border educational aims. 

Goal: We don’t just want to survive.

We want to show that there is an alternative for donkeys to being kept as livestock for meat production.

I believe that what one person cannot achieve alone, a committed community can.

How can you help?

· By donating – any amount helps

· By sharing the campaign

· Through professional connections and partnerships

· By raising international awareness

All support goes directly towards the care of the donkeys.

The “Rét-pataki donkeys” have now entrusted their lives to us.

Please help ensure they survive the winter of 2026/2027 safely – and that they can enjoy a dignified, peaceful life in the long term.

If we do not help now, these animals will become vulnerable in a system where the market for donkey meat and hides is growing ever stronger.

If, however, we join forces, we can create a sustainable, model animal welfare farm whose educational purpose is important not only for the donkeys living in Hungary.

With respect and hope,

György Markovics

primary producer, grassland farmer

Rét-patak Valley, Hungary

Please support the “Rét-pataki donkeys” – even with a small donation.

If you are unable to donate, please share this post.

If you can help professionally, please get in touch with us.

What one person cannot do alone, a community can.

Thank you, thank you for standing by us.