World Donkey Day is celebrated globally on May 8 to honor and raise awareness about one of the most hardworking yet often overlooked animals — the donkey. In Sagroli (Taluka Biloli), Dharma Donkey Sanctuary (DDS) organized a special event in Arli (Taluka Biloli) with local donkeys and their caretakers to mark the occasion.
During the final day of a three-day at Krushived in Sagroli, Balaji Muttepwar of Aloor’s donkey was crowned champion among 42 competitors, claiming the top prize of Rs 5,000. This amount is specifically designated for the welfare of his winning animal. Local farmers Datta Ibitwar and Sanjay Ibitwar secured second and third places, receiving Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000 respectively, also earmarked for the care and well-being of their donkeys.
The aim of the event was to spread awareness about the importance of donkeys, highlight their contribution to human society, and promote responsible care for these remarkable animals. Arli village is home to over a hundred donkeys, used extensively for transporting agricultural inputs, construction
materials, and sand.
During the program, Dr. Nihal Mulla, a veterinary expert from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK, Sagroli), provided detailed guidance to donkey owners on how to care for their animals, ensure good health, and protect them from heatstroke. Nutritious feed was also distributed to the donkeys. Children and younger generations of the donkey-rearing families also took part in the celebration.
“We were delighted by the enthusiastic response from donkey herders,” said Rohit Deshmukh, Director of Dharma Donkey Sanctuary. “This competition is about recognizing the vital role donkeys play in our rural communities and encouraging their proper care. We are planning to expand the competition next year.”
World Donkey Day was first proposed in 2018 by desert zoologist Ark Raziq, who recognized that donkeys’ contributions to human society were largely unacknowledged. Since 2019, this day has been officially celebrated worldwide.
The Dharma Donkey Sanctuary has been working for the welfare and health of donkeys for the past 25 years. Over the past year, in collaboration with FIAPO and India Animal Foundation (IAF), the sanctuary has extended healthcare and support to over 2,000 donkeys working at brick kilns in Parli and Ambajogai in Beed district, as well as those transporting goods in the Sagroli region.
Trustee Abhijit Mahajan, volunteers Sachin Yeramalkar, Bhaskar Buchchalwar, and Dnyaneshwar Jadhav, along with several donkey owners, were present for the event. contributions of donkeys to rural life, while also promoting animal welfare.
