Mijas plans to build a new donkey sanctuary with the “El Burrito”.

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.

OLUZ, a construction company, will build the facility at Vial Sur next to Camino de Las Canteras on a plot of 10,000+ square metres. The council has allocated almost €40,000 for the initial design phase, with completion scheduled within just 3 months. The council will then be able to award the main construction work and turn the rough site into a recreational park that allows visitors to interact with donkeys who live in semi-freedom.

Projects that focus on animal welfare

Plans include Animal rights and welfare are important for raising awareness around the world. The designers will include an observation area for the donkeys as well as shaded walking paths through the wooded sections. Donkeys can participate in forest management activities while enjoying retirement areas within the park. Rescue facilities are available to care for adult animals in need of rehabilitation before they can be relocated. A dedicated Mijeño donkey visitors’ centre will form the educational heart of the development, supported by extensive trail networks and leisure zones.

A 48-animal facility

Three large modules will be built, as well as separate storage and veterinary units. Each compartment will accommodate two donkeys and provide full movement including lying and turning. Each space will have drinking water, lighting, and wall rings to secure donkeys during health and cleaning checks.

Stables will be integrated into the slopes of the land, partially buried with vegetation and therefore minimizing their visual impact. There are already many local utilities in the area including drinking water, electrical and wastewater networks which run parallel to an existing stream.

The path network is designed to organise visitor and maintenance flow

The central spine will be a five-metre-wide path, with access tracks of two-metres wide branching out to the stables. These routes are used by maintenance vehicles and feeding trucks. Artificial gravel surfaces are durable and will divide the park in animal zones with fenced meadows, plus riding areas linked to waste management space.

The initiative was originally proposed by Amaya Isert, Donkey Dreamland. It reinforces Mijas’ commitment to its culture while also giving practical conservation measures which balance education, recreational activities and animal care at the scenic site.