During your visit you can be in the company of the wonderful donkeys, mules and hinnies that we take care of, learn about them by walking along the paths of our park and, at the same time, enjoy the evocative panorama of the Biella Prealps.</ strong>
Close to the donkeys
Donkeys are very curious animals and love attention from visitors. They really appreciate the “rubs” on the forehead, neck and back; do not touch them on the nose to avoid bites.
Feeding the donkeys is prohibited: visitors cannot feed the donkeys (not even grass!).
This measure avoids biting people and arguments between the donkeys, made more aggressive by food.
Additionally, many donkeys have a strictly controlled diet. Apples, carrots and fennel are always welcome and we thank you very much on behalf of the donkeys if you wish to donate them to the Sanctuary!
We only ask you to leave them at the InfoPoint or the Staff: we will take care of cutting them and distributing them to the donkeys according to individual needs.
Visitors with special needs
Much of the refuge is also easily accessible for visitors in wheelchairs, with walking difficulties or pushing strollers and prams. The toilet is equipped for disabled people.
For new parents, there is a changing table.
Our center is completely surrounded by greenery; the location and the activities carried out result in the presence of dust, hay and straw, grasses in meadows and wooded areas, pollen (especially in the spring period), hair, insects and parasites.
If you suffer from allergies, consult your doctor before the visit. The refuge staff, in case of emergency, is not authorized to administer any medicine.
Visiting dogs
Dogs are welcome: to ensure everyone’s safety (bipeds and quadrupeds) they must be kept on a leash. Please help us keep the Sanctuary clean: collect their poop, thank you!
A stop…
At the refuge there are several benches and tables that you can use to have a snack or eat your packed lunch. If you prefer, you can reach the equipped green area La Madonnina, a ten minute walk from us. There are some trattorias nearby (warning: we advise you to contact the premises to check the openings).
Opening hours to the public
The refuge is generally open to the public on some dates from 10.00am to 5.00pm with free entry, without the need for reservations. We therefore recommend viewing the site for information
Starting from the end of March, only on Sundays and holidays up to and including the month of September, we will hold guided tours with free participation: group departure at 2.30pm in front of the Info Point; lasted about an hour.
In case of bad weather, the guided tour will NOT be carried out, while the refuge gates will still remain open during opening hours. For logistical reasons, it is not possible for us to welcome supporters outside the dates indicated, even with a reservation. The subsequent opening days will be periodically communicated as soon as they are scheduled.
Il Rifugio degli Asinelli
Via per Zubiena 62
Sala Biellese (Biella)
Piedmont – Italy