Animal Activists Expose Harsh Reality of Donkey Tourism in Rhodes, Greece as Overweight Tourists Strain Animals

On the picturesque Greek island of Rhodes, a troubling reality lurks behind the charming scenes often depicted in tourist brochures.

Many donkeys, used as taxis to transport visitors up steep slopes, are suffering under harsh conditions.

This situation has caught the attention of local animal rights activists, including the group Liber Life Rhodes, who have been working to improve the welfare of these animals for the past three years.

Activists have shared distressing images showing donkeys burdened with heavy tourists and even large objects like logs and refrigerators. Traditionally, donkeys have been used in Greece for carrying goods and as a means of transportation on the island’s narrow and steep roads.

However, the booming tourism industry has intensified their use, particularly in the ancient city of Lindos.

Here, donkeys, often referred to as “Lindos Taxis,” carry tourists up to the Acropolis, a journey advertised as a quaint experience but fraught with hardship for the animals.

Alexandra Passaro, from Liber Life Rhodes, has been vocal about the dire conditions these donkeys endure. She highlights that they are forced to wear heavy saddles for extended periods, often in temperatures exceeding 42°C (107.6°F).

Liber Life has been active in advocating for better treatment, including campaigning for shaded resting areas and ensuring the donkeys have access to water.

They’ve also introduced measures to monitor the donkeys’ welfare, such as installing thermometers at donkey stations to prevent them from working in extreme heat.

Public Outcry and Proposals for Change

The plight of these donkeys has not gone unnoticed by tourists.

Many have expressed their concern and discomfort, sharing their thoughts on social media platforms like Facebook.

Some tourists suggest that the responsibility for the donkeys’ suffering falls on both the owners and the tourists who choose to ride them.

In response, Liber Life Rhodes has proposed the establishment of a donkey sanctuary where tourists can interact with the animals in a more humane way, without exploiting them for labor.

Broader Issues Across the Greek Islands

The issue of donkey mistreatment is not unique to Rhodes. Similar concerns have been raised on other Greek islands like Santorini and Hydra. In 2019, a video surfaced showing donkeys on Santorini being whipped and overburdened by heavy tourists.

The footage spurred international outrage and led to some regulatory changes, such as a weight limit for riders.

Despite these efforts, activists argue that more needs to be done to protect these animals, suggesting that donkeys and mules should not be used for tourist transportation at all.

Moving Forward: Educating Tourists and Protecting Donkeys

Animal rights groups continue to advocate for the humane treatment of donkeys, encouraging tourists to make responsible choices.

Campaigns like “In Their Hooves” by The Donkey Sanctuary urge tourists to consider the well-being of these animals and to avoid supporting practices that exploit them. The ultimate goal for activists like Passaro is to change the perception of donkeys from mere tools for tourism to sentient beings deserving of care and respect.