// DONKEYS //

The Dalmatian or coastal - Dinaric donkey is a Croatian autochthonous breed. It is one of the original and protected breeds in Croatia and a part of our national cultural and natural heritage. The donkey has always taken up an important place in a man’s life assisting him daily. It represents an important part of tradition and customs in our region. In the past the donkey was used as a pack animal, and it was extremely useful on inaccessible karsts terrain. But nowadays, with the development of modern technology that simplifies daily life, the donkey loses more and more on importance and status it once held. People use it less and it becomes less necessary.

On Dugi otok, as well as in other parts of Croatia, where there is a tradition of using donkeys, they are being abandoned. A problem occurs, where and how to properly accommodate the donkeys.

For this reason, in the past few years, the Nature Park Telašćica became a sort of a refuge for abandoned donkeys on Dugi otok. The local population brings and leaves their donkeys at this place. The Park is currently inhabited by 14 donkeys of which there are 8 males and 6 females. In the last 3 years 3 foals came to life on the island. They all move freely in the area from the Mir bay to the southern end of the island. Most of them remain in the area of the Mir bay and around Lake Mir.

They are accustomed to the vicinity of people and can be easily approached. They are curious and very fond of sweets, which is why during the summer they can often be seen near the lake searching through the bag contents while owners swim. If you approach them, be careful because although donkeys are tame animals accustomed to people even they can have their nervous moments. Enjoy their vicinity, take pictures of them and take with you pleasant memories from the park.