Moved by Love (2015)

Donkeys are almost as ubiquitous in India as are cows and dogs; many times subjects of hard labor and scorn in equal measure. They are often underfed, overworked and when they are too old or sick to work, they are discarded and forced to survive on their own. The plight of donkeys in Ladakh is no different, but what makes the situation more critical in Ladakh, it its climate; one of the most extreme in the world, temperatures can soar below 30 degrees in the winter and there is no food or shelter for these destitute donkeys; the younger and weaker donkeys are often eaten or injured by hungry dogs. One can only imagine what it must be like for these animals to exist under such unbearable conditions. The Donkey Sanctuary was officially opened in July 2008 to provide a safe haven for these old, sick and homeless donkeys of Leh. The donkeys are looked after by a caretaker who ensures that the all the animals are fed a tasty wholesome diet of wheat, biscuits and grass, and that they all receive medical care from the local governmental veterinary clinic whenever it is required. The local affairs are looked after by Stany Wangchuk who was born and raised in the region and now travel agent and a hotelier, while the project itself is funded by South African journalist, Joanne Lefson who decided to do something about the plight of donkeys in Leh while on a photographic expedition in the area in 2007. The number of donkeys that call this peaceful place 'home' vary, but on average there are between 20 and 40 donkeys at any one time - and it's not unusual to spot a random old cow or an injured goat in the shade of the trees inside the sanctuary walls. No sick, old or injured animal is ever turned away. This is their place of peace where animals are welcome to recover from the hardships that they have endured throughout their lives. Once inside, they are here for life.