Caring for Tanzanian Donkeys Working in Harsh Mining Conditions

Lake Zone Animal Welfare Organization (LAZAWO) have been hard at work assisting donkeys at the gold mines of Geita, Tanzania. Working conditions at these mines are extremely harsh for both donkeys and miners.

However, with your support, LAZAWO reached 367 donkeys at this location in February. The vet team treated donkeys for conditions including wounds, cherry eye and abscess, colic, tetanus, and tick and worm infestations.

Any donkeys with severe wounds were given follow-up care by the team’s paravet.

Donkey with an overgrown hoof.

Treating overgrown hoof.

Last month, LAZAWO vaccinated 1,669 donkeys against rabies and tetanus. Using AAA funds, they purchased a refrigerator to safely store the vaccines.

Along with veterinary care, LAZAWO recently conducted an educational session on saddle packs and harnessing with 23 donkey owners. This included information on how to make and correctly fit saddle packs to reduce wounds and injuries.

LAZAWO issued 50 saddle packs to donkey owners. Owners are also being encouraged to make their own packs, especially if they have multiple donkeys.

LAZAWO also found the miners needed education about not overloading carts and the maximum weight limits for donkeys. If miners do not comply with these requirements following education, the team will take action and confiscate their carts.

The LAZAWO team are still trying to raise enough funds to establish a donkey sanctuary in Geita. This is desperately needed for donkeys with severe wounds who need time to recover and should not be working.

Thank you for helping us to create positive change and reduce suffering for these donkeys working in such harsh conditions in Geita.