167 Donkeys Treated, Rescues and Education on Donkey Health and Well-being
Thanks to the incredible support of AAA donors, the Zambia Working Donkey Project (ZWDP) continues to make significant strides in improving the lives of working donkeys.
This past month shows the importance of their mission, from rescuing abused donkeys to addressing preventable injuries, while working towards a future where every donkey is treated with respect and compassion.
Reaching Villages, Treating Donkeys
ZWDP conducted field check-ups in nine villages this month, providing care for 167 donkeys. Preventive and control treatments were administered to protect the working animals from internal and external parasites. Deworming medication was given to 154 donkeys, and 167 received tick and flea treatments.
Deworming in the field
Encouragingly, most donkeys in the villages were found to be in good condition, and 13 pregnant donkeys were identified, expected to foal soon despite the ongoing drought. However, the arrival of sparse rains brings a heightened risk of tick-borne infections, making regular treatment more crucial than ever.
Dipping in the field
Educating Communities: Lessons from Natebe Village
In Natebe village, a door-to-door education campaign was launched following incidents that highlighted the need for better donkey care. One donkey was injured by a tree stump, while another, named Zimbabwe, tragically passed away due to complications after her owner’s misguided attempts at foaling assistance.
ZWDP’s Supervisor engaged 50 villagers, distributing informational flyers and discussing proper donkey care, particularly focusing on preventing injuries and avoiding harmful practices. These education sessions are a continuation of efforts to raise awareness, including past initiatives with schoolchildren who often care for donkeys while their parents are away.
Wound treatment in the field
Pursuing Justice for Wisdom
The case of Wisdom, a donkey injured in September, remains unresolved due to logistical challenges faced by the local police. ZWDP continues to advocate for justice, pressing for site investigations and accountability for the offender.
Rescues and Rehabilitation
This month, two donkeys, Budget and Jealous, were rescued after being subjected to abuse. Both were treated, dewormed, and temporarily housed at Maramba Farm. Following discussions with traditional leaders and a focus on education, the donkeys were returned to their owners with improved harnesses and a commitment to better care.
Budget and Jealous
ZWDP are excited to announce that, thanks to your support, Chief who was rescued in March this year and suffered a detached hoof will never have to work a day in his life as he will be permanently joining Maramba Farm with the other rescues as a retiree. Chief’s story has added to their success stories and is a constant reminder of why the compassionate team love what they do in caring for working donkeys.
Chief’s foot completely healed in September following an easy road to recovery and the ZWDP team are privileged to have been part of this beautiful journey and experience the best days of his life with him thanks to your generous support.
At the rescue, most donkeys are doing well, but two elderly residents, Junior and Chibadula, are being treated for musculoskeletal issues. Kamuseka, another rescue, has shown improvement after battling a bacterial infection with help from visiting veterinarians.
Chibadula recumbent due to musculoskeletal pain
Kamuseka abscess treatment
Dipping at Maramba farm
The recent rains have brought patches of green grass to the farm, but they also increase the prevalence of ticks. Regular dipping will continue to protect the donkeys during this season.
Looking Ahead
ZWDP remains committed to expanding education programs, conducting more community outreach and providing kindness and care for working donkeys.
The team is grateful for the AAA supporters that make this work possible and invites everyone to join the mission to improve the welfare of the working animals.