Seven Lucky Donkeys Rescued in Sri Lanka

Animal Aid Abroad is a major partner of the Donkey Clinic and Education Centre (DCEC) in Mannar, Sri Lanka. During January, they carried out no less than seven donkey rescue operations!

In the Gutter

Ending up trapped in a drain was the consequence of a fight between two donkeys in Moor Street, Mannar. A local guy, Seelan, noticed that one of the donkeys had been trapped there for a whole day. He scoured the internet trying to find someone who could rescue the poor animal. He found the DCEC and sent them an email request. Donkey Welfare Officers, Alhathir and Kathafi, rushed to the site. They heaved the donkey out of the drain, treated some superficial wounds with antiseptic and sent the donkey on his way.

Horror Tail Injury

One day as DCEC staff were on their way back to the centre, they noticed a donkey with a horrific injury to her tail. Trying to catch the donkey in an open area is always a challenge but their experienced staff, Alhathir and Kathafi, eventually won out. She was transported to the clinic for ongoing medical treatment. DCEC staff remain baffled as to how donkeys in Mannar succumb to such serious and varied injuries.

Definition of Dedication

James from the UK visited the DCEC in December and spent much time learning about their rescue and treatment operations. He had just started his journey to the airport for his flight back to the UK when he noticed a donkey with a broken foot in the Tharapuram area. Immediately, he turned his vehicle around and headed to the DCEC. He joined staff as they headed off for another donkey rescue. The donkey was captured and brought back to the centre. James stayed with the donkey until treatment commenced. Upon leaving he said, “I will definitely come back to Mannar and am happy to financially support you guys. Congratulations."

Robinson to the Rescue

Robinson, a young boy from Santhipuram, contacted the DCEC about a donkey who had collapsed and was lying in a muddy canal. However much the donkey tried to get up, she could not. Alhathir went to the site and, with the help of Robinson, managed to raise the donkey up onto the rescue truck. The donkey had sustained injuries on her back and front. Once at the DCEC, Ainkaran, Kathafi and Alhathir set to work treating the donkey’s wounds. Within a few days, the donkey was back on her feet and feeling more like her old self again.

Imagine the Suffering

One day, Donkey Welfare Officer Kathafi noticed a donkey with a shocking wound on his nostrils just outside the centre. The other staff helped to catch the animal and bring him inside. Upon examination, Kathafi discovered the nostrils were maggot-infested. Painstakingly, Kathafi and Ainkaran removed the maggots one after another, then applied ointment and antiseptic. Miraculously, the nose has healed well and the donkey is feeling much happier in himself.

Long Distance Recue

Due to increasing human settlements on Mannar Island, there is an ongong loss of donkey habitat. Some groups of donkeys are starting to leave the island and explore new areas on the mainland in low-lying, uninhabitated areas. An officer from the Silavathurai Police Station contacted DCEC about a donkey who was limping along with a tin firmly afixed to one of her legs. The rescue involved a 55km trip for DCEC - their longest yet. Alhathir and Kathafi responded to the request, catching the donkey, removing the offending item and taking the animal back to the DCEC. The nasty wound was treated and the donkey is well on her way to a full recovery.

A Case of Cruelty

Donkey Welfare Officer, Kathafi, came across a donkey in pain near the railway crossing at Puthukkudiyiruppu. He rounded up DCEC staff to capture the donkey. His injuries were distressing as someone had deliberately tied barbed wire around his hind leg.  Over time, the wire had cut deeply into the poor donkey’s flesh. Kathafi and Ainkaran carefully unfurled the barbed wire before taking the animal back to the Donkey Clinic for further treatment.

The Donkey Clinic and Education Centre have expressed their eternal gratitude to Animal Aid Abroad for financially supporting their Donkey Rescue Service and clinic operations.