Donkeys Rescued from Sticky Situation

It was back in December, 2020, that Animal Aid Abroad first became aware of a potentially catastrophic situation unfolding in Shinyanga, Tanzania. A large abattoir, which previously killed up to 300 donkeys per day to supply China with donkey skins, had closed down following years of lobbying against this cruel trade. Although the news sparked great elation, the unfortunate consequence was that thousands of donkeys were left stranded within the holding grounds. These donkeys had been sourced from various regions in Tanzania, near and far, and brought in by traders to be sold for slaughter.

All were at risk of hunger, dehydration, disease and death.

Our partner group, Tanzania Humane Charity (TAHUCHA) were quickly on site, collecting information regarding the scale of the problem and assessing which donkeys were most at risk of starvation or in need of urgent veterinary care. They discovered that 102 donkeys had already perished from hunger or medical conditions and that 2000 required urgent food, water, vet care and relocation to a safer place.

With funding solely provided by AAA, TAHUCHA set to work immediately to save as many donkeys as possible, prioritising pregnant donkeys, foals with mothers, orphaned foals, weak and starving donkeys with poor body condition scores and sick animals requiring veterinary treatment. Presenting medical issues included rotten hooves, injuries and abscesses.

By early January, TAHUCHA had procured enough quality meal and water from Shinyanga and surrounding towns to feed 3000+ starving donkeys. Their mammoth efforts ensured that the majority of animals survived.

Some of the abandoned donkeys were gradually reabsorbed into local areas, while 366 of the most vulnerable, including the weak, sick, orphaned foals and pregnant donkeys, were taken to the sanctuary in Bukombe. TAHUCHA worked hard to expand their existing sanctuary in order to accommodate all of these extra animals during January and February.

Orphaned foals being transported to TAHUCHA’s donkey sanctuary.

Pregnant donkeys on their way to the sanctuary.

In mid-February, the team were shocked to discover 1200 further donkeys who were hidden away in muddy enclosures. As we reported in our last newsletter, these donkeys had been forced to stand continuously in thick mud and endure unsanitary conditions for weeks on end. TAHUCHA managed to rescue 960 of these unfortunate donkeys from the mud and provide them with water, food and veterinary care. Forty of these donkeys were taken to the Bukombe sanctuary for extra TLC.

This rescue mission simply could not have taken place without the incredible generosity of AAA’s donors! Enormous thanks to each and every one of you who donated towards our campaign and helped us save 3000+ innocent donkeys.