Around four years ago, we visited the donkey farm in Martinići for the first time. I remember that I was quite excited to meet the initiator of this awesome project, Darko Saveljić, and to discover how old, abused and neglected Montenegrin donkeys have found a safe refuge at his farm.
When Darko invited us to come and visit him last week and to see the latest developments, we could not imagine that so many things have changed in the meantime. Approaching the property, we admired the natural beauties and tranquility of the surroundings and we were not surprised to see a herd of donkeys quietly grazing on the green meadows.
Darko welcomed us and showed us around. Flowers, orchards with mandarins, figs and olive trees, vineyards… and, next to the stables, even a real delivery room for newborn donkeys and their mothers… It was nice to see some guinea fowls roaming around the area, as they catch snakes and insects and thus keep the farm safe!
But let me tell you something more about this donkey farm that has gained huge popularity in the last few years.
Before World War II, donkeys were part of every village household in Montenegro. According to a hand-written specification (to be seen in the museum), Montenegro had more than 6,000 donkeys in 1945. Local villagers mainly used them for the transport of wood, water and other heavy burdens, and they were also working the land. But times have changed, donkeys have lost the battle with agricultural machines, and now they have become one of the most endangered animal species in Montenegro. Four years ago, there were only 500 donkeys left and nowadays, their number is one hundred and fifty only, including those at the farm in Martinići. Thanks to Darko, the Montenegrin donkey breed is protected against extinction!
Who is Darko Saveljić? Ornithologist by profession, very active in protecting the Salt Pans of Ulcinj, he began the donkey farm in 2015. He is a real enthusiast and a very positive personality. “I don’t like criticizing”, he says, “it’s much better to set the right example!”
I assure you, Darko can really be proud of his achievements: since its opening, the farm was visited by around 60,000 people. And let’s not forget that the donkey farm has been promoted by German and French documentaries, along with numerous websites and news portals such as Lonely Planet, yahoo.com and RyanAir.
Accompanied by his German shepherd dog Hans, Darko showed us the new developments at the farm: the donkey museum with a visitor center, and 2 nice apartments for rent.
The Donkey Museum was opened in July 2019, together with a Visitor Center – for seminars and workshops on the protection of nature and agriculture – that was partly funded by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.
The museum, built on a rock, consists of an internal part and a part in the open air with an exhibition of old agricultural machines and objects: donkey saddles (one of them especially made for carrying grenades and munition during World War II), wooden buckets, a primitive sowing machine, a plough, but also photos and drawings of donkeys.
Darko explained us his efforts to introduce solar energy at the farm and he also showed us how he intends to cover the museum building with ivy plants. On the ground floor of the museum, among shady trees, he has made 2 beautiful apartments with big windows. Can you imagine seeing a donkey that is watching you from behind the window when you wake up in the morning?
A farm stay here is a nice idea, as the donkey farm is located in a wonderful quiet and untouched area with easy access to the Zeta River with its historical bridges, the Ostrog Monastery and the ruins of Gradina Martinićka and the Spuž fortress.
And when you get aware of the fact that everything at the farm is made of recycled materials and that paper, plastic and metal are separately disposed for recycling purposes, you will understand the efforts of Darko to run an eco-farm in the real sense of the word. By the way, how often is the word “eco” used in Montenegro without any meaning?
But it was time to feed the donkeys! How impressive it was to see the complete herd of 40 donkeys running towards the stable, where they got their meal: hay and dry bread.
Can you believe that each donkey has its name and story behind it? They are accustomed to visitors, especially to families with children, who like to play with them and to feed and cuddle them.
What else can I tell you about the donkey farm in Martinići? Well, the farm produces high-quality donkey milk, which is a powerful therapeutic medicine for children with diabetes, bronchitis, allergy, cough, asthma, etc. The milk is quite expensive (€50 per liter), but it is free of charge for children who suffer from diabetes and those who suffer from serious lung diseases.
Moreover, this year the farm introduced a new product – a face cream called ‘Magi’, containing 50% of donkey milk.
And finally: a therapy with donkeys has a very positive effect on children with autism. They can visit the farm during working days, whenever they want. Of course, free of charge!
The farm is open on Sundays for the public (10.00-13.00h). Entrance is free, but you are expected to bring a kilo of apples, carrots or 2-3 loafs of dry bread for the donkeys.
For detailed information see: A visit to the donkey farm in Gradina Martinićka
Such a lovely post and such a lovely life-project! Thank you!