Keegan cycles through town to save donkeys
He was intrigued by the way the donkeys were fascinated by him.
Since April this year Keegan Horn has been living out of a backpack, his only means of transport is a bicycle and his two feet.
But he feels that he is still better off than the donkeys for whose benefit he chose this current lifestyle, he told White River Post when he travelled through the town last week.
Having studied and being involved in the film industry, he became appalled at the world’s focus on an utterly materialistic lifestyle some time ago.
Once aware of that, he decided that he didn’t want to be a part of it any longer and started looking for something more meaningful to do with his life.
He left the film industry and visited Hogsback, where he reconnected with one of the most undervalued species of animals – donkeys.
After getting to know the animals better and doing thorough research about their plight, he decided that it would be a worthy cause to try and help save them from becoming an exploited, even endangered species. “Donkeys go days without food and water. They just keep on working hard for days and weeks without complaining and often are exploited by humans,” he said.
He was also intrigued by the way the donkeys were fascinated by him.
Soon he was planning the journey that would change his life. After two years he rid himself of unnecessary possessions and packed only the bare essentials needed to walk across Africa. His project, called A Donkey’s Life, was born.
Although his initial plans to walk all the way to Cairo changed a bit, he set off from Bathurst in April with Morocco as his ultimate destination. Morocco uses donkeys for their livelihood but generally cares for them better than many other countries. They even observe a Donkey Day and have a donkey museum.
Shin splints after the first 600 kilometres of his journey made him turn to travelling by bicycle, but with only a small tent and huge determination, he still relies on the kindness and compassion of animal lovers wherever he goes. Along the road he spreads awareness of animal cruelty and helps them wherever he can.
A Donkey’s Life can be followed on Facebook where his daily progress, news and geographical position are posted so that people in that area can support him.
Horn hopes to reach Morocco by next year September, but not being a good “future planner”, he currently just focuses on every day and every kilometre. Up to now he averages between 35 and 120 kilometres per day.
Although cycling is more monotonous than walking, he uses the time to meditate, sing, talk to himself (and often disagreeing, he jokes) and engage with nature along the road.
Anyone who would like to donate to A Donkey’s Life to help raise funds for use against cruelty towards animals can contact the administrators for banking details.
