Valamar Blog

If someone asked me to tell them my favourite animal, one of the answers, alongside the squirrel and the hedgehog, would definitely by the donkey (tovar). Nowadays donkeys are raised as a hobby and there are 250 registered ones in Istria. Upon you arrival to Rabac, I certainly recommend visiting the Liburnia reserve in Rasa where you can see the northern Adriatic donkeys. A fact that donkeys are a genuine magnet for tourists is witnessed by the number of 126 000 visitors to the Liburnia reserve over the past eight years.

Here are a few interesting facts about donkeys:

• Did you know that a donkey can carry up to 120 kg for more than 6 km? People used to believe that donkeys can carry a load which matches their weight and it was because of that very stamina that donkeys were found extremely useful for work done in unfavourable conditions and on difficult terrains.

• Did you know that donkey milk is a natural cure for all lung and respiratory system related diseases, especially when whooping cough, which usually affects children up to the age of entering puberty, is concerned (it cures very quickly and efficiently)?

• Did you know that one litre of donkey milk is sold at the price of HRK 400 and that it has been known as a precious cure since the ancient times and that even Queen Cleopatra owed its seductive appearance to products made of donkey milk, essential oils and honey?

• Did you know that the most beautiful donkey of this year’s 5th county and the 1st national festival of Istrian donkeys is a stud called Moro? The festival was organized by the Istrian donkey breeders’ association Istrijanski tovar (Istrian donkey) which gathers donkey fans with the objective of preserving the species. Don’t miss out on the festival next year