Eco tourism- The most unique Farm in the world, a place where donkeys enjoy and rest while people work

Darko Saveljić, an ornithologist and farmer, set out to save a donkey from an unethical situation—and he succeeded. As the owner of the Martinići Donkey Farm, he has managed to elevate the status of donkeys. Interestingly, Saveljić invested zero euros in marketing, yet his farm attracts visitors from all over, including flight attendants from renowned airlines who pay to feed the animals and clean the stables. This is not a fairy tale; it is everyday life at the Martinići Donkey Farm, located just under 20 kilometers from Podgorica, towards Danilovgrad.

Entry to the farm is unique: instead of money, visitors pay with a kilogram of carrots or apples.

“One idea led to another. I work in harmony with nature, which brings me true happiness. I created a place where donkeys genuinely enjoy life; they have enough food and water. People recognize the sincerity in this story—there’s no business plan, and everything develops spontaneously. I started with two donkeys, and today there are around 80 on the farm,” Saveljić shared in an interview with Primorski Portal.

Over 150,000 visitors from across the globe have come to the donkey farm, mostly during the summer. Documentaries produced by journalists from Germany, France, and Scandinavian countries helped spread the word. Groups of children and school students from all over Montenegro also frequently visit, Saveljić added.

**Martinići Donkey Farm – A Place Where Donkeys Truly Enjoy Life**

Remarkably, the farm owner has spent nothing on marketing.

“For marketing experts, this fact is puzzling. But that’s how it is. That’s why the farm has ended up in university textbooks, such as those at the University of Zagreb. The University of Montenegro even features the farm in its book on Strategic Marketing as a marvel. It’s confusing—how can you invest nothing, yet so many people know about the farm? Everyone knows Coca-Cola, yet they still invest a third of their revenue into marketing. I’m grateful I don’t have to deal with that,” Saveljić explained.

When asked how an ornithologist developed a passion for donkeys, he reminded us that „the donkey built Montenegro“ and expressed a long-held desire since childhood to repay that debt.

“The donkey was man’s greatest ally during hard times in Montenegrin villages. It worked tirelessly as a ‘machine’ that ploughed, dug, and carried. It was an animal that was often exploited. I succeeded in putting donkeys on the throne,” Saveljić said, adding: “Our donkeys have a better quality of life than most European citizens. We do everything we can to make them feel like true stars. We always choose the most beautiful names for our princesses.”

“Imagine a donkey named Music. Or Silk. Or Drina, then Violin, Heart, Sun… We also have Chocolate, Doughnut, Vanilla, Bajadera (a local sweet), Baklava, and Lokum (Turkish delight)… When we started the farm 10 years ago, a donkey at the livestock market cost 25 euros—mostly bought by hunters who saw it as 100 kilograms of meat for their dogs. Today, the price is around 500 euros. When we began, there were no more than 150 donkeys in Montenegro. Now, there are about 900,” Saveljić commented.

The Martinići Donkey Farm was founded to protect this animal species from extinction, provide education, and assist in autism therapy.

The quality of donkey milk at the farm is exceptional, and results from certified labs are published regularly.

The farm is open to visitors only on Sundays, and admission is „paid“ with a kilogram of fruits or vegetables. Families with children who have autism or children in wheelchairs can visit the farm for free, as this form of hippotherapy can be beneficial—helping children feel more relaxed and joyful. Every corner of the farm—from the walking paths to the Visitor Center and the Donkey Museum—is fully accessible to wheelchair users, equipped with ramps for safe, carefree movement.

Additionally, the farm now features a new electric cart for transporting visitors with mobility challenges, made possible with support from the Cross-Re-Tour Innovation Program, co-financed by the European Union. Saveljić also expressed deep gratitude to the Regional Development Agency for Bjelasica, Komovi, and Prokletije, which helped implement the project, of which the farm is a partner.

Professionally, Saveljić works with birds and initially planned to open a donkey farm later in life. However, circumstances expedited the realization of his dream.

“We have created a small corner of the planet where donkeys and nature coexist in harmony, and we want every visitor to experience that harmony in every part of the farm, without any obstacles. These are the happiest donkeys on Earth.

We don’t use them for labor; instead, we care for and feed them. This is a place where donkeys truly enjoy life,” says Darko, noting that in recent years, tourists have been coming to the farm to stay and participate in activities, enjoying an active and unique holiday experience in Europe.

“When I started this journey, few believed that the Martinići Donkey Farm would become what it is today—a warm home where nature and people are united in an unbreakable bond of love and respect. This farm is not just my life’s work; it is proof that when heart and soul lead the way, there are no limits. We continue to move forward with the same love and dedication,” Saveljić emphasized.