Only 17 km away from Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, the first donkey farm in Montenegro was founded three years ago. The popularity this farm acquired by now is enormous. More than 40 000 people have visited this unusual attraction since its opening. Visitors are, at the first place, attracted by the right treatment of the animals, some of which were neglected or abused before coming to the farm.
The initial idea
Only 30 years ago, donkeys were part of almost every village household around Montenegro. They were used as working animals, mainly for the draught works in the transport or the agriculture. Nowadays, being replaced by machines, not many people keep them. According to the statistics, eight years ago there were only around 500 donkeys in our country. Nowadays, there are even fewer of them. Moved by the fact that these animals are threatened with extinction, Darko Saveljić - ornithologist by vocation, have decided to set up a farm and try to protect this often undervalued animal breed.
Started as an asylum, the farm quickly turned out to be sustainable by selling its donkey milk. Exceptional because of its excellent powers in curing maladies such as asthma, bronchitis, cough and allergies, this donkey milk became highly demanded.
Entering the farm, you will immediately feel the hospitality of the owners who are always there to answer all your questions and share their experience. Only a small chat with them, you will realize that they nurture the right values. The interesting fact is that every donkey has its name and the story behind it. You can interact with animals, feed them, cuddle and even ride.
The products
The farm is already well-known for producing high-quality donkey milk. People claim that this milk helped their children, who had breathing problems, to lessen the symptoms in just a few days. The milk costs 50 euros per liter, but for the kids who suffer from serious diseases, it was from the beginning, free of charge. The high price of the milk is understandable when you know that female donkeys produce at the most half a liter of milk per day.
This year, the farm introduced a new product – a face cream containing 50 percent of donkey milk. The creams contain organic oils together with immortelle, narrow-leaved paperbark, cocoa and orange, combined depending on the skin type. They have a natural scent, and some of them even have a natural UV protection made of shea butter and raspberry oil. These creams are organic, and do not cause any allergies.
When and how to visit the farm?
The farm is open every Sunday, from 10 AM to 1 PM, and the entrance costs no cash. Instead of money, you pay the entrance with 1 kg of carrots or apples which you can use to feed the animals. Donkeys are used to visitors, and they are not afraid of contact with people, as they are always treated well here. The farm is ideal for families and children who are frequent guests every Sunday. This place is a perfect example of how we should all deal with animals and teach our kids the same.
The donkey farm is situated between Spuž and Danilovgrad. Coming from Podgorica, by the main road, you have to be careful and look for Gradina Martinićka signpost, and follow the road until you reach the country path with no asphalt, that will take you uphill right to the farm. Soon you will see donkeys walking around and interacting with visitors.
At this donkey farm they expect to have even more animals in the future and more products in their offer. For now, you can try their creams or buy some high-quality milk while spending a wonderful day at this unusual attraction near Montenegro's capital. Interacting with animals can bring positive vibes only, and you will love the fact that once abused, these animals are now safe, sound and free.
The author
Katarina Kalicanin
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