Bridging Lanka's Donkey Welfare Report from Mannar

AAA Partner group, Bridging Lanka have had a busy and trying February. While they dealt with a number of harrowing cases, the most common and avoidable issue is that of human rubbish having a negative impact on the local animals.

“A Good Samaritan - Admission Number: 213

Garbage being dumped in Mannar town is a common sight and so are donkeys scavenging for food scraps precariously amongst open tinned cans and other debris.  One such dumping ground is in Thailankudiyiruppu where the DCEC is located.  A local on his walk to the liquor store spotted a donkey with a tin can stuck on its front leg lying on the ground.  He informed Kathafi, our donkey welfare officer and stays with the donkey until help arrives.  Kathafi removed the can from the donkey’s leg. In no time the donkey was back on its feet and sauntering off to feed again.  The local heads off in another direction with a lighter heart.

Ongoing Garbage Hazards - Admission Number: 215                                               

This time, the tin can debacle happened in the neighbouring village of Puthukkudiyiruppu.  Another donkey scouring through garbage for food scraps gets its leg trapped in a plastic canister. Our donkey welfare officer, Kathafi, spotted the limping donkey and swiftly picked up the cutter tool.  The donkey took off no sooner it saw Kathafi.  Together with some other locals, the donkey was cornered, held down, plastic canister removed and freed to gallop off into the distance. 

Tinned mishaps never cease in donkey town - Admission Number: 217

The numbers keep increasing with donkeys feeding off the public garbage dump in Puthukkudiyiruppu. Now it’s a common sight seeing a donkey with its foot trapped in a tin can.  Alhathir spotted the donkey limping, informs his donkey rescue team but stays at the site so the donkey doesn’t do a runner. They arrive, the donkey was caught and the tin can cut away from its foot.  Another donkey is now footloose and fancy free…

Meet Matilda

Sponsor’s Name – Eve Smith, Brisbane, Australia

Of all the female donkeys being sponsored, Matilda is the most majestic in strength and appearance, and the most agile. She is different in body, height and colour from the other donkeys at our Centre. Matilda also has a distinctive spiral shape in the middle of her face. She loathes when the other donkeys start fighting each other. If there is a conflict between the male and female donkeys, she will stand as a referee and try to separate the warring parties.

Matilda is a stickler for cleanliness. To this day we have not seen Matilda rolling around in the sand – a common donkey practice. She also loves to be groomed and obliges by standing very still. She loves her baths too. As Matilda has lots of self-respect, she will not come to anyone who beckons her harshly and only responds to affection. Her favourites foods are peanuts and carrots and especially when given by visitors to the Centre.

Meet Dante II

Sponsor’s Name: Sharon Russell-Davison, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Dante has a unique nature and look. The guests who come to our Centre are drawn to grooming its luxuriant fur. Of all the sponsored donkeys, Dante is the youngest but demonstrates all the characteristics of an old and wise donkey. He has many favourite foods but holds back to share food with others. He does not compete for food and resists getting into fights. When he grazes on the DCEC lawn, he sticks to his own patch without disturbing the other animals. Dante has another side too – mischievous and fun-loving but not at the expense of others. His tame and friendly nature makes him a darling with visitors.”

Thank you to Bridging Lanka for your tireless efforts to help and rescue as many donkeys as you can.