Spain's Donkey Brigade Stops Wildfires for Nine Years Straight
A group of donkeys in Spain is helping to prevent wildfires in an unusual but highly effective way. For nine years running, these animals have kept their assigned areas completely free of fires. Their success is now inspiring other regions to explore similar natural solutions for fire prevention. The project began when the non-profit group El Burrito Feliz took in abandoned and mistreated donkeys across Spain. Around 18 of them, including well-known locals like Mortadelo, Leonor, and Galileo, now form a dedicated ‘donkey brigade’. Guided by volunteers from the eco-collective Mujeres por Doñana, they work along forest edges and roadsides.
Their job is simple but vital: clearing dry undergrowth and thick shrubs that fuel wildfires. The donkeys graze continuously, reducing flammable vegetation while enjoying a steady supply of food. The method has proven so reliable that their zones have remained fire-free for nearly a decade. The initiative has gained wider recognition. Spain’s military emergency unit has even adopted one of the donkeys as a symbol of support. Meanwhile, international fire prevention networks are studying this natural approach as a potential model for other fire-prone areas.
The project demonstrates how traditional methods and animal labour can tackle modern environmental problems. The donkeys benefit from open grazing, affection from caretakers, and a purposeful role. With their success, more regions may soon turn to similar low-tech, high-impact solutions for wildfire control.
