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Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary

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Animal habitat
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Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)

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The Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary is a dedicated facility focused on the rescue, protection, and welfare of donkeys, which have a long-standing tradition as working animals in the Maltese Islands. This sanctuary provides a safe haven for elderly, mistreated, or abandoned donkeys, ensuring they live out their lives in a supportive and natural environment. The center plays a vital role in the conservation of the Maltese Donkey breed (Ħmar Malti), which was once essential for rural transport and farming but is now facing a decline in numbers. Visitors can learn about the gentle nature of these animals and the importance of animal welfare practices. Supported largely by donations and volunteer efforts, the sanctuary manages the daily feeding, grooming, and medical care of its residents. Beyond its rescue mission, the sanctuary acts as an educational hub to raise awareness about the needs of domestic animals and their historical significance in Maltese culture.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Best season
The Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary is open year-round, but the best months are March through October when the weather is mild. In spring, many foals are visible, which is especially appealing.
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Best time of day
Morning after opening is good as the donkeys are being fed and are more accessible. Late afternoon is quieter and the animals are relaxed.
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Etiquette
Please do not feed the donkeys without permission, as they need a special diet. Walk quietly and slowly to avoid startling the animals, and pet them gently if allowed.
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What to bring
Comfortable clothes and shoes are sufficient as the terrain is flat. Bring a camera to capture the friendly donkeys.
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Getting there
The sanctuary is located in Malta, near Mdina, reachable by car. Parking is available on site.
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What to expect
The donkeys are curious, but some need time to gain trust. Sit down quietly and wait for them to come to you.

Geography

Coordinates
35.83900, 14.45300

Facts

  • The sanctuary focuses on saving the endangered Maltese Donkey breed.
  • Many of the resident donkeys were rescued from neglectful or difficult conditions.
  • The facility is funded almost entirely through private donations and volunteer work.
  • Maltese donkeys are historically valued for their strength and gentle temperament.
  • Visitors can participate in adoption schemes to support the welfare of specific animals.
  • The Ħmar Malti breed of donkey can grow to a height of about 120 cm at the withers.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Potato Farms in QrendiPotato Farms in Qrendi<1 km · SExplore →
Quarrying Industry (Siggiewi)Quarrying Industry (Siggiewi)1 km · NWExplore →
Mqabba CatacombsMqabba Catacombs1 km · NEExplore →
Wied iż-ŻurrieqWied iż-Żurrieq2 km · SExplore →
Xarolla WindmillXarolla Windmill2 km · EExplore →
Ghar LapsiGhar Lapsi3 km · SWExplore →
Kirkop Parish ChurchKirkop Parish Church3 km · EExplore →
Malta International AirportMalta International Airport3 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (10)

Dolmen

Prehistoric stone table, possibly a Bronze Age burial monument.

Knisja Parrokkjali Marija Assunta

Church building in Qrendi, Malta, dedicated to the Assumption of Mary.

Il Maqluba

Natural depression formed by a cave collapse, offering a view.

St. Nicholas

Church building in Siġġiewi, Malta, dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

Il-Kappella tal-Madonna tal-Ħniena

Church building in Qrendi, Malta, dedicated to Our Lady of Mercy.

Torri ta' Wilġa / Tat-Torrijiet

Ruins of a tower, built around 269 AD for defense against the Heruli.

Falconry center

Falconry center featuring birds of prey and flight demonstrations.

Ħaġar Qim🏛 museum

Museum displaying artifacts from the nearby prehistoric temples.

It-Tempji ta' Ħaġar Qim

Several prehistoric temples on the Maltese Islands, a UNESCO site.

Chapel of the Annunciation

Church building in Żurrieq, Malta, dedicated to the Annunciation.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary?
Yes, visitors are welcome, though pre-arranging your visit is often advisable.
Where is the sanctuary located?
It is located on the island of Gozo, near the village of Għasri.
Is there an entry fee?
Entry is usually free, but donations for the care of the donkeys are greatly appreciated.
Are you allowed to feed the donkeys?
Only after consulting with the staff and only with appropriate food.
Are there other animals as well?
The focus is on donkeys, but sometimes there are other rescued farm animals.
Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary: where is it located?
Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary is located in Malta.
Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary: what is there to see?
Highlights include Dolmen, Knisja Parrokkjali Marija Assunta, Il Maqluba.
Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary: why is it worth visiting?
The Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary is a dedicated facility focused on the rescue, protection, and welfare of donkeys, which have a long-standing tradition as working animals in the Maltese Islands.
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Nature

Il-Maqluba Sinkhole — Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)
Il-Maqluba Sinkhole
A giant sinkhole formed by the collapse of a cave, now a wooded micro-habitat.
Għar Lapsi Cove — Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)
Għar Lapsi Cove
A small rocky inlet popular with divers and snorkelers.
Blue Grotto — Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)
Blue Grotto
A complex of seven sea caves famous for the brilliant blue water.
Ta&#39; Randu Hill — Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)
Ta' Randu Hill
A hill near Siġġiewi that dominates the landscape in the southwest of Malta.
Ta&#39; l-Agħara Hill — Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)
Ta' l-Agħara Hill
A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.

More places

City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
An easy way for families to explore Malta's main attractions on an open-top bus.
Three Cities Ferry Service — Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)
Three Cities Ferry Service
A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
Potato Farms in Qrendi — Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)
Potato Farms in Qrendi
The region around Qrendi is a major producer of potatoes in Malta, which are also exported.
Limestone Heritage Park &amp; Gardens — Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)
Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens
An experiential museum about the history of Maltese limestone, with a small animal park.
Il-Maqluba — Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)
Il-Maqluba
A large sinkhole that has created a unique micro-habitat with a variety of trees and plants.
Quarrying Industry (Siggiewi) — Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)
Quarrying Industry (Siggiewi)
The area around Siggiewi and Qrendi is the center of Malta's limestone quarrying industry.
Malta Falconry Centre — Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)
Malta Falconry Centre
A center dedicated to the conservation and breeding of birds of prey.
Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto) — Ta' Kole Donkey Sanctuary (Malta)
Wied iż-Żurrieq (Boat Trips to Blue Grotto)
A small harbour from where boats depart to the famous Blue Grotto.