Five Donkeys' Stories from the Mines of Geita

We recently posted an update from Lake Zone Animal Welfare Organization (LAZAWO) regarding their incredible care for donkeys working in the mining regions of Geita, Tanzania. Following are the stories of five donkeys from this region:

Maisha

Maisha’s mother sustained a hind leg fracture in an accident while working in the Geita gold mines. She gave birth to Maisha shortly after the accident. Sadly, Maisha’s mother died of tetanus just one week after giving birth. Maisha is currently being cared for by her owner with support from LAZAWO.

Masanyiwa

Masanyiwa is an elderly, blind donkey who worked for several years. When she could no longer work, she was neglected and left to die with no food or medical care. She is now in safe hands with LAZAWO.

Bahati

Bahati is a street donkey who has had a life of suffering. He nearly died in 2024 after being attacked with a knife for eating someone’s corn. This wound then turned gangrenous. Bahati now has a massive tumour on his leg, which has been removed three times. Unfortunately, it just keeps growing back and his owner decided to release him onto the streets. Now, poor Bahati is just roaming the streets with no owner. 

Mateso

Mateso works in the Geita timber industry and has to endure daily pain carting loads of wood. He was injured due to a poorly-fitting cart, overloading and overwork. Mateso received veterinary care through the AAA-funded working donkey project. Sadly, he was still forced to work despite his wounds and developed gangrene as a result.  

Max

Max was severely injured in a car accident, exposing his scapular bone. AAA funding helped LAZAWO to cover his medical care. LAZAWO urged Max’s owner not to work him until he recovered. Sadly, the team found Max carting timber just one day after his wound was treated.

These stories highlight the urgent need to extensive education, monitoring and veterinary care in the mining regions of Geita.

LAZAWO want to establish a donkey sanctuary in Geita, where injured and sick donkeys can be hospitalised and closely monitored while they recover. Expected hospitalisation times could range from one to three months. The sanctuary will also be used to care for undernourished or abandoned donkeys, other rescued donkeys and orphaned foals.

Before returning any injured or sick donkeys to their owners, LAZAWO would ensure there are strict conditions and an agreement signed by the owner saying they will maintain their donkey’s welfare.

Transforming this culture of abuse will take time. But, with your invaluable donations and support, we can create change to ensure the donkeys of Geita are eventually treated with the compassion and respect they deserve.