The Donkey Sanctuary has been involved with this project for many years and Dr Svendsen, the Sanctuary's Founder, was instrumental in setting the cable car, which now takes many of the tourists up from the cruise ships to the town of Fira.

The donkeys and mules are generally in a good condition and we have been providing free veterinary care to them for several years.

We are currently working with the local authorities to implement a code of practice, which should help improve the working condition of these animals.

This year, supported financially by Stelios from easyCruise, we are providing new riding kit for the donkeys, which should ensure they do not get sores and wounds through poorly fitting tack. We are also providing information for tourists about who should and shouldn’t ride the taxi donkeys and mules.

With so much publicity and interest, our hope is that, gradually, more and more tourists will become more aware and considerate of these animals' needs and use the cable car as an alternative.

Rest assured, we will do everything we can to help them.