Santorini is tourist mecca in Greece with its mesmerising turquoise waters and iconic white and blue buildings. But much like every dreamy, tourist destination, there is a dark side.
The popular coastal city sees millions of tourists flocking to it every year with no sign of slowing down, and many who visit the city choose to ride donkeys up the coastal city’s steep steps and pathways.
However, with the massive workload increase, the animals have begun to suffer with critical spinal issues and high levels of stress.
According to animal rights group, The Donkey Sanctuary, mules are straining under the increased weight of heavy tourists and their luggage loads with minimal shade or water to help them recover.
The organisation clarified on their website that donkeys should be carrying a maximum of 50kg of balanced weight. Unfortunately, the Santorini donkeys are known to carry double that weight multiple times a day.
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The most popular track under fire for the mistreatment and overloading of donkeys is located on the western coast of the island where travellers are transported up 588 steps from the port at sea level to the capital city, Fira.
Companies can charge tourists anything from AU$10 to $30 to ride a donkey, with all of their luggage, for 35 minutes from the harbour to the capital. They also offer donkey tours around the island that can last up to two hours and cost around AU$160.
While the animal rides are usually advertised as the traditional and most prevalent form of transport around the island, it’s definitely not the only option.
Travellers can choose to walk the half hour trip for free or use the much cheaper and more efficient option of riding the cable cars for a quick two minutes to the top of the mountain.
A one-way ride on this travel option will cost a mere $8, which is almost a quarter of what some companies price their donkeys at.
The Donkey Sanctuary recently announced their meeting with the mayor of Santorini that has been planned to discuss the treatment of donkeys on the island.
The organisation will look to offer their direct assistance in Greece to help with welfare needs so they can make sustainable changes to the issue.
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Many travellers head to historically and culturally rich cities with the intention of experiencing it like a local. However, donkey rides are quickly losing their authentic status and becoming just another money-grabbing tourist trap.
The once traditional practice, is now falling into the same cruel category as other animal tourism grabs such as elephant riding, tiger selfies and holding sea turtles.
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