Reaching More Working Donkeys in Zimbabwe

Matabeleland Animal Rescue and Equine Sanctuary (MARES), AAA’s partner group in Zimbabwe, have started a new education and outreach program in west Matabeleland, including the towns of Mabale, Dete, Victoria Falls and Jembwe.  

The team visited Mabale on the 14th of June to carry out a preliminary outreach training and harness distribution workshop. MARES were welcomed by Chief Dingani, who gave his blessing to MARES’ new program and said it was the first time he had seen an organisation caring for donkeys. Mabale is home to 178 working donkeys and the team found the majority to be in good condition, although some harness wounds were evident. The workshop included education on donkey welfare, proper harnessing and loading carts. Padded, humane harness sets were issued to 10 families and donkey carts and yokes were repaired or altered as necessary.

Most carts in Mabale are designed with heavy, metal poles, which the MARES’ team plan to change to lighter, wooden ones. The donkey owners in Mabale were enthusiastic about MARES’ new outreach and education program and were very eager to learn.

Along with the education and harnessing workshop, any donkeys with injuries were treated by the veterinarian. Most injuries were caused by poor harnessing, tick wounds and bites from other donkeys. One donkey presented with a boxed, overgrown hoof. The owner was advised to come to MARES’ next outreach clinic, when a farrier will be present and can attend to any hoof problems. As this donkey is over 17 years old, MARES are hoping to convince the owner to swap this donkey for a younger, stronger one. 

Overall, the Mabale outreach program was a success and had a positive impact both on the villagers and donkey welfare. It also provided MARES with an idea of what work still needs to be done to improve the welfare of working donkeys in this region. They hope further outreach workshops will continue to raise awareness of donkey care and welfare and lead to long-term behavioural change in owners.

Following their visit to Mabale, MARES travelled to Victoria Falls, inviting donkey owners in the area to attend their two-day outreach clinic. The team had previously distributed humane harnesses and lighter yokes in this region back in 2018, and many of these were still being used and were in reasonable condition. The team did not see any wounds on donkeys who had been provided with their harnesses, which was really encouraging and proved they are indeed humane.

During their time in Victoria Falls, MARES issued an additional 40 humane harnesses and adapted 20 donkey carts, which will make life easier for these working donkeys. MARES also educated a large group of donkey owners in Victoria Falls on how to properly care for their animals. They also dewormed any donkeys who were underweight.

In July, MARES are planning to combine their harnessing program with their annual vaccination campaign. AAA are proud to support MARES’ fantastic efforts that are improving the lives and welfare of donkeys in Zimbabwe.