Animal Nepal Dukuchhap Animal Sanctuary Oct Update - Flood Recovery, Soni's Healing and Diwali

Thanks to your support, Animal Nepal’s Dukuchhap Animal Sanctuary provides love, care and dignity to every resident. 

This month, Soni the donkey, receives around-the-clock care, reminding everyone at the sanctuary of the love and resilience that animals bring into our lives.

Soni’s Health Update

The brave Soni, the sanctuary’s beloved donkey, continues her journey towards recovery. She is unable to stand but her spirit is staying strong. Diagnosed with Babesia, a parasitic disease that has severely impacted her mobility, Soni is receiving ongoing treatment and care.

Helping Soni stand with a pulley

Recently, the sanctuary introduced acupuncture therapy to her routine in hopes of improving her mobility. Additionally, a pulley system has been set up to help Soni stand for a few minutes each day. This gentle weight-bearing exercise is aimed at gradually rebuilding her strength.

Although her back legs remain immobile, Soni’s overall health is stable. Her appetite is good and her urinary and digestive systems are functioning normally. The team at the sanctuary remains committed to her care and is hopeful for further progress on her recovery journey.

Tihar Festival Celebrations at the Sanctuary

Tihar, Nepal’s beloved "festival of lights," brought joy and warmth to the sanctuary this month. This five-day festival honours animals for their cultural and spiritual significance, and each day celebrates a different species.

Kukur Tihar (Day of the Dogs):
This special day is dedicated to dogs, who are celebrated for their loyalty, companionship, and protection. In Nepali tradition, dogs are seen as messengers of Yama, the God of death and are honoured with red tika on their foreheads for blessings and protection.

Celebrating Kukur Tihar with our dogs

At the sanctuary, the dogs were adorned with flower garlands and tika and treated to delicious snacks. Their joyful wagging tails and excited barks filled the air, reminding everyone of the unconditional love they bring to our lives.

Gai Tihar (Day of the Cow):
The second day honours cows, symbols of abundance, nurturing and prosperity in Hindu culture. This year, the sanctuary celebrated Kaali the cow and her inseparable companion, Lakshmi the buffalo.

The pair were adorned with tika and flower garlands and enjoyed their favourite treats. The bond between Kaali and Lakshmi brought a special warmth to the celebrations, highlighting the deep friendships that animals can form.

Goru Tihar (Day of the Ox):
The third day of Tihar pays tribute to oxen and bulls, whose strength supports rural communities across Nepal. At the sanctuary, Kumari and Prawin, the resident bulls, were honoured with tika and garlands. Special treats marked their celebration, recognising their spirit and the role they play in rural life.

A Note of Gratitude

Thanks to the ongoing support of our kind-hearted donors, Animal Nepal Sanctuary is creating a safe and loving home where animals are celebrated as family. Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Together, with your support, the sanctuary is creating a safe and loving home where animals are celebrated as family. Thank you for being a part of this journey.