Adopt a Catalan donkey: A new initiative to promote preservation of endangered species

Soriguera is a small town in the north of Catalonia, between Sort and La Seu d'Urgell, very close to Andorra. It has about 400 inhabitants, including Josep Lluís Piqué and Jesús Martín. They have a small farm with 17 Catalan donkeys and are fighting to preserve this endangered species.

Piqué and Martín have been breeding Catalan donkeys for more than two decades because they are "a symbol of the subsistence of the rural world" and are fighting for a "genetic heritage."

'Apadrina un ruc' (Adopt a Catalan Donkey) is a new crowdfunding initiative promoted by the Gratitud Pallars platform, which aims to increase knowledge about this endangered species. Intending to boost preservation, they have launched a new campaign so that they can continue to breed Catalan donkeys.

The initiative came after a couple from Washington traveled to the Pallars region to make the 'Cinquè Llac' (fifth lake) road trip and discover the Catalan donkey. At the end of their stay, they wanted to donate to preserve the species, but it was impossible. 

The Catalan Donkey Association (AFRAC) currently lists 350 animals from 52 partners.

Piqué believes that there should be some financial support for breeding this "not very well-known species and a Catalan symbol," he told the Catalan News Agency (ACN) before calling for looser legislation to be able to acquire such animals.

Promoters are asking for between €25 and €60 to keep the donkeys for a year or to help with a feeding station to prevent the grass from getting wet when it rains.