Dr Nico Benadé was a well-known and beloved veterinarian who had always had an interest and passion for neglected donkeys and horses.
Nico busy with fieldwork. Credit: Onderstepoort Faculty of Veterinary Science
At the age of 36, he died in a fatal car accident while on the road between Parys and Ventersdorp in September 2020, leaving his family and the North West community devastated.
To honor Nico’s memory and his love for donkeys, the Nico Donkey Fund has been established by his family and friends. The beneficiary for the fund is Eseltjiesrus Donkey Sanctuary in McGregor, a non-profit organisation, as they already provide a permanent home and loving care to rescued donkeys.
Antoinette Benadé, his mother, says his love and passion for donkeys began when he was much younger. In 2007, while he was still a student at the Onderstepoort Faculty of Veterinary Science, he was involved in an ergonomic efficient donkey cart project. He also designed a donkey-friendly harness.
At his practice in Ventersdorp, there were always animals in abundance, especially donkeys and horses, in different stages of rehabilitation.
