Apolo

Apolo is one of the oldest and most cherished donkeys at our sanctuary. He carries with him not only the years of his life, but also the incredible strength and resilience of a soul who has survived the unimaginable.

Apolo’s story is one of both unthinkable cruelty and remarkable survival.  In an act of horrific violence, the man gelded Apolo using only a knife — no anesthesia, no pain medication, nothing to ease his suffering. He also cut off the tips of both of Apolo’s ears with the same knife. This was how he “marked” Apolo so he would know the donkey belonged to him.

When he grew too old and weak to work, his owner threw him onto the streets, deciding he no longer had any value. In an act of horrific violence, the man stabbed Apolo in the belly with a knife, leaving him to bleed and suffer alone.

Apolo bled for more than 15 days on the streets. At one point, the man even tried to push him onto a busy road filled with trucks, hoping he would be hit and killed, but compassionate people intervened and stopped him.

When we rescued Apolo on August 22, 2021, he was in critical condition. His belly was swollen from infection, and he could barely keep his balance when he tried to walk. He was extremely weak, thirsty, and starving, but his eyes still showed a spark, a quiet will to live.

That spark is what we held onto. And today, thanks to love, care, and time, Apolo has recovered enough to enjoy peaceful days at the sanctuary surrounded by gentle companions and the safety he was once denied.

Because he is a senior, Apolo requires ongoing veterinary care, special senior food and grains, alfalfa instead of regular hay, supplements, and ongoing treatments to manage his health and comfort.

By becoming a sponsor for Apolo, you’ll help provide everything he needs to live the rest of his life with dignity, love, and the security he deserves.

Sponsor Apolo today, and help us honor his strength and ensure his golden years are filled with peace.