Zambezi Working Donkey Project - Activity Update July 2021

During the month of July, in addition to our mobile clinic and workshop activities, we also had several cases worth mentioning:

- Late one afternoon we had an emergency call out to Natebe village where a donkey had been axed by the owners neighbour for eating their vegetables. By the time we arrived the donkey could not stand as its’ spine had been severed. Unfortunately, due to the scale of her injuries there was only one option which was to euthanise. Very sadly the donkey also had a foal at foot, and was pregnant. Both babies also died as a result of the incident. This was an horrific case that left our staff and the vet on call very traumatised. The perpetrator was taken into custody by the police as the owner decided to press charges and we assisted with witness statements.

- A donkey called Chisonso was brought to Maramba Farm by her owner as she had a huge tumour which was growing from her tummy. The donkey was released to us permanently and we decided to undertake surgery, however local vets did not have the level of training necessary to assist, Fortunately we were relocating two other donkeys (orphans Otis and Dom) for rehoming to Lusaka, so we put Chisonso in the trailer as well. It is a 10 hour journey so not something we can underake often, but in this case we were lucky. The operation was conducted under general anaesthetic by a qualified equine vet and was successful. Chisonso is now back on her hooves and we are looking for a nice home for her.

- Another female donkey called Elijah was also brought to us by her owner who had recently acquired her, as she has some deep and very infected wounds caused by beating and misuse of wooden ox yoke. She has been released to us for treatment until she is fully recovered.

- On 7th July we woke up to a new babe. Long term rescue Black gave birth overnight to a beautiful little foal who our Project Supervisor Emmanuel named ‘Becky’, after his favorite female wrestler! We are all in love with this gorgeous creature who brought some positive news to a distressing month.