Mijas moves ahead with “El Burrito” donkey sanctuary plans with new centre design

Mijas Council has awarded the design contract for the ‘El Burrito’ donkey centre. This project is meant to increase awareness, protection and preservation of the iconic Mijeño donkey breed that symbolises the Costa del Sol village.

Construction specialists OLUZ will create the facility on a 10,000+ square metre plot at Vial Sur beside Camino de las Canteras. The council has allocated almost €40,000 for the initial design phase, with completion scheduled within just 3 months. Completion of this stage will allow the council to tender the main construction works and transform the rugged site into an interactive recreational park where visitors can engage with donkeys living in semi-freedom.

Project goals focus on animal welfare

Plans include raising global consciousness about animal rights and wellbeing. Designers will incorporate an observation area dedicated to the donkeys plus shaded walking trails through wooded sections. Donkeys will contribute to forest management tasks while enjoying retirement spaces within the park. Rescue facilities will accommodate adult animals needing recovery before relocation to suitable homes. A dedicated Mijeño donkey visitors’ centre will form the educational heart of the development, supported by extensive trail networks and leisure zones.

Facilities designed for 48 animals

Builders are planning to erect three large donkey housing modules together with separate veterinary and storage units. Each of the 24 compartments will house two donkeys comfortably and allow full movement, including turning and lying down. Every space will feature drinking water points, lighting and wall rings for safe tethering during cleaning and health checks.

Stables will integrate into the natural slopes with partially buried structures covered in vegetation to minimise visual impact. Plentiful local utilities already serve the area, including drinking water, electricity and wastewater networks running parallel to the existing stream.

The path network organises visitor and maintenance flow

A five-metre-wide main path will serve as the central spine with two-metre access tracks branching towards the stables. These routes accommodate maintenance vehicles and feed delivery trucks. Artificial gravel surfaces will ensure durability while dividing the park into dedicated animal zones and fenced meadows linked to riding areas plus waste management spaces.

This initiative, originally proposed by Amaya Isert at Donkey Dreamland, reinforces Mijas’s commitment to its cultural heritage while at the same time gives practical conservation measures that balance education, recreation and animal care on the scenic site.