“Every day I believe more in animals”: founder of Burrolandia tells from Spain his greatest wish

In the tranquility of the countryside, surrounded by donkeys and other species, Dilfenio Romero Rodríguez feels in total harmony. This man is the engine of Burrolandia, the place he came up with to give these animals a little of what they give so much.

The burritos she houses in that space, on the outskirts of Madrid, Spain, are saved. Dilfenio — who warns of his complicated name — was a state official for more than four decades, and 20 Minutes, a media outlet based in his country, entrusted his greatest wish.

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What made you think of Burrolandia?

More than 20 years ago he rescued a donkey and he never thought he would have so many.

When asked how Burrolandia came to be, the Friends of the Donkey Association replied: “I thought that these animals had worked all their lives in defense of man to feed and work for him and that they got nothing in return (…) Burrolandia was born with the aim of offering them a place where they can be happy”.

Away from work due to retirement, he describes himself as happy to spend more time with the animals. “They also appreciate it,” he explains in a video from the aforementioned Spanish media.

“The love they give you back is immeasurable, it has nothing to compare it to,” he said for the #EnPositivo journalistic project, carried out by 20 Minutos and Cepsa.

If you give them love, if you give them food and well-being… they are happy.

Delfini Romero

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Love for the animals

Burrolandia “has become a home for donkeys and other farm animals such as chickens or goats, as well as horses, peacocks and even a doe,” 20 Minutes pointed out. Dilfenio commented: “Every day I believe more in animals. They don’t betray you, they are faithful.

In an interview with El País, he dismissed saying that donkeys are rude. On the contrary, he stated, “They are immensely intelligent.”

And for Agrodiario he repeated it in 2020: “It is a myth that the donkey is stupid; in fact, it is vastly more intelligent than the horse.

Delfinio confessed with a unique humility: “All I wanted was to have burritos and, moreover, needy ones.” Now, to 20 minutes, he confided his greatest wish: “I hope (Burrolandia) lasts for many years.”

I wish there were people who continue with this project.

Delfini Romero

Burrolandia opens to the public every Sunday for free, the aforementioned media report. If you’re in or going to Madrid, you can get to know this space where the man with the complicated name and the big heart says “I’ve been extremely happy”.