Zambezi Working Donkey Project - Activity Update August 2021

August was an eventful month at the Zambezi Working Donkey Project (ZWDP) and there are several cases to share:

- Two donkeys named ‘Black’ and White’ were uplifted from Libuyu market where they were found pulling a cart that was overloaded with firewood, under a wooden yoke. Their owner had been given harnesses previously but these were nowhere to be seen and the donkeys were struggling badly. The female donkey White is very old, blind, has a curved spine and leg deformities, and they both suffer from multiple wounds. The vet in attendance has spoken to the owners and told them that they must not work any longer, however we sometimes face resistance, and this is one of those cases… often people rely solely on their donkeys to earn a living and their donkey is their most valuable asset. We are trying to help the owners of these donkeys find an alternative plan so that they can be retired with us permanently.

- The female donkey called Elijah who was brought to us by her owner last month is still with us and receiving treatment as her wounds were very badly infected. We are in negotiations with the owner to have her permanently released into our care.

- We were visited by the lovely equine vets from Matobo Vet Clinic (which is 5 hours drive away), who came to geld (castrate) 6 of our rescued boys. This is really going to help keep the peace in the herd as it will hopefully prevent fighting, and unwanted foals! It will also make these donkeys easier to rehome. While they were here, they also removed a nasty tumour/sarcoid from the face of Better.

- The weather is warming up here and we seem to have jumped straight from winter into summer. Now, during the hot dry months, is when working donkeys really suffer and we will be increasing our presence in the markets and outreach clinics to continue educating people about the importance of the basics – water, rest, shade, food…

Thank you so much to the donors of Animal Aid Abroad – your support is making a big impact on the lives of working donkeys here in Zambia.