Our Donation for The Animal Academy
At the beginning of this year, we visited The Animal Academy on Fuerteventura for the first time. It is a safe home for more than 200 rescued animals. Goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, donkeys, and many others live here in safety and care. Already on our first visit, we were deeply impressed by the calm atmosphere and the kindness with which every single animal is cared for.
We were welcomed by Sandra Suárez, the head of the refuge, and Francisco Pérez, responsible for administration and organization. With her background as a veterinary assistant, Sandra takes care of the animals’ health. Francisco, a biologist and passionate animal lover, guided us around the grounds with great enthusiasm. He told us the animals’ stories, showed us their shelters, and gave us an authentic look into the everyday life of the Academy.
When we came back in August, it was a warm reunion. Once again, Francisco took the time to show us around. But this time, we didn’t just bring open ears, we also brought a big donation check with us.
More Than Just a Shelter for Rescued Animals
The Animal Academy is a registered non-profit organization that has been active on the island since 2019. It is run completely by volunteers. There are no paid employees, only dedicated people giving their time and energy.
One special aspect: the Academy works closely with the police and local authorities. Animals taken away from their owners due to neglect or poor living conditions are given a temporary home here until the legal situation is resolved.
The animals come with very different stories: from a former pet rabbit to an injured goat, or other emergencies in need of urgent help. Some arrive scared and sick, others are curious and affectionate. But no matter how difficult their past has been, here they receive medical care, proper housing, and above all: love. That’s something that really stood out to us. No matter how busy it gets, there is always time for a gentle touch or a moment of affection.
Francisco & Lolo the Donkey
And that’s what struck us most during our visit:
No matter how much work there is to do, there’s always time for a loving cuddle.
“Rebirth of the Academy”: A Project for the Future
Our donation supports the major project “Rebirth of the Academy”, which started in August 2025. Its goal is a complete renovation of the grounds:
- New and safer shelters with more shade, wind protection, and water sources
- Better organization of the space, so more animals can be welcomed and cared for
- Planting of trees, plants, and flowers to create a green, shady, and lively environment (not only for the animals but also for local birds and insects)
This will not only improve the quality of life for the rescued animals, but also make a sustainable contribution to nature on Fuerteventura.
July 2025: Strong winds damaged parts of the shelter. Reconstruction is underway.
Our Questionnaire: Transparency from the Start
To make sure our donation would have a lasting impact, we first sent a detailed questionnaire to the Academy. The answers convinced us not only of their professionalism but also of their inspiring vision:
- 100% of the work is done by volunteers
- 75% of the team are women
- Every single euro goes directly into the care and better living conditions of the animals
How to get in Touch / So erreichen Sie uns