Renewed strength for the year ahead at the Mannar Donkey Clinic and Education Centre
The team at the Mannar DCEC have sent us an update on their recent activities:
“2021 Off with a Chase - Admission Number: 203
Abhinayan, better known as Abs, one of Bridging Lanka’s Australian directors, is now in Mannar. On his tuktuk ride to the Donkey Clinic & Education Centre (DCEC) to celebrate the New Year, he noticed an injured donkey near Erukkalampiddy. It had suffered a major head and rib injury and was bleeding. Abs winced watching the donkey in pain and immediately informed Alhathir, the DCEC manager.
Being the festive season all our staff were on leave, yet they responded to Abs’ call.The capture was a feat in its own right as the donkey put up a struggle and kept bolting despite its injuries.Finally, the staff cornered the donkey and managed to restrain it before bundling it off to the Clinic for treatment.The injuries were extensive and the wounds deep and infected.Our skilled staff cleaned, medicated and bandaged the wounds. We're expecting the donkey to heal and recover well.
An Inmate Going AWOL - Admission Number: 204
One of the resident donkeys at the Pallimunai Army Camp suddenly decides to go AWOL, galloping along the coastline away from the camp. A little while later the donkey was discovered by Madhusanka, an army officer. Its leg was entangled in fishing net yet it was grazing on the lush grass nurtured by the recent rains. Madhusanka contacted our clinic and the donkey rescue crew arrived. On spotting us, the donkey took off again fearful it would be captured. After another chase and with the help of the army officer, the donkey was caught, the net removed and medicine administered. Fortunately, there was no significant injury to its leg. We decided not to take the donkey back to the clinic as it was pregnant and she appeared fine.
Pet Woes - Admission Number: 205
Eight months ago, Fareetha, from Periyakarisal, noticed a young foal in pain. Her heart went out to the poor creature. She started feeding and caring for it. The donkey had a rectal issue which consistently got worse. Over time the rectum became maggot infested and the entire body went downhill. Fareetha tried her best to dress the wounds but to no avail. Desperately, Fareetha combed her networks trying to find someone who could help.Finally she was given the donkey clinic number and she contacted us. Our rescue staff responded and our vet was consulted. Dr Vincent simply shook his head. Nothing could be done. As the foal’s condition had deteriorated alarmingly, it had to be euthanized.
Tinned Can Mishaps - Admission Number: 206
Rojan, Bridging Lanka manager, saw a donkey wandering around Uppukulam with its hoof trapped in a tin can. He informed our clinic and the staff arrived to once more administer some donkey first aid. The donkey sprinted off, tin can and all, as soon as it spotted our staff. It was raining as we were in the throes of the North East monsoon. However, the stealth of the staff outwitted the donkey and moments later, it was restrained, tin can cut away from its hoof and final check for further cuts and injuries before given the all clear for release. Another donkey freed from the ghastly garbage litter - hazardous to the donkey population and everyone else!
WHAT? Deworming Pills Dressed as Bananas
As part of the DCEC medical routine, our resident donkeys are dewormed quarterly. With the heavy rains we had great difficulty giving the deworming tablet orally to the donkeys. Enough of them spitting out the tablets or refusing to drink water with the crushed tablet in it. We had to be more cunning as they are smart animals. Who could blame them either? Who would want to swallow a bitter pill? Kathafi our donkey welfare officer had a brain wave. He inserted the pills into a banana. Success! Finally we outwitted these intelligent donkeys. They are now all dewormed.
Donkey Pongal Hits a Sombre Note
Our annual Pongal celebration was thwarted this year with Covid restrictions on all social gatherings. For the past three years, we have hosted this key event inviting locals, adults and children from the neighbouring villages of Thailankudiyiruppu (Hindu), Olaithoduwai (Catholic) and Puthukkudiyiruppu (Muslim) to partake in games and events, revering the role of working animals worldwide. In the case of the donkeys in Mannar, it was a reminder to all to be kind to animals and in doing so to develop a sense of compassion for injured donkeys, wildlife and other animals in need. This year brayed a different note. Donkey Pongal was celebrated in a less festive scale with only staff present. The traditional pongal was made and the donkeys given a special treat to commemorate the occasion. We hope next year this event will be observed with the celebration it rightly deserves.
Musaeus
On one hand Musaeus is a loner and prefers her own company. On the other, she is well tamed and friendly toward humans. If any donkey is tired or in a sad mood, she forgets herself and makes a bee line to comfort them. Musaeus is both peculiar and also particular. She does not like a lead rope around her neck or to graze in one place for long. All she wants is to gather the food she needs in peace, away from the other frisky donkeys. But when she sees a visitor she comes to life, prancing about trying to get their attention. As a result she is much loved by tourists.
