One Sad Goodbye but Five More Donkeys Saved

Your generous donations are helping the Zambezi Working Donkey Project (ZWDP) alleviate suffering for donkeys in Zambia.

In February, they visited six villages and reached 208 working donkeys. The donkeys were treated for parasites and received wound care as required.  

The team also issued four humane harnesses to replace heavy ox yokes. More ox yokes will be replaced when the rainy season comes to an end and it is easier to access more villages.

Sadly, one of ZWDP’s rescued donkeys, Kamuseka, was euthanised after experiencing limb paralysis and being unable to stand up. Various treatments were attempted and the team were helping her back onto her feet every morning. However, her prognosis remained unclear and it was decided she should be relieved of any further suffering. Kamuseka had many ailments from the time she was rescued and the team worked very hard to improve her quality of life. The only comfort is that she won’t have to suffer ever again.

Thanks to your kind support, Junior - the rescued donkey with skin disease - is now receiving additional treatment. This will augment the therapeutic effects of measures ZWDP have previously taken to treat his skin condition. The new treatment involves antiseptic baths followed by applying flowers of sulfur to affected areas of his skin. Junior has already shown marked improvement since his new treatment began and ZWDP staff are confident his skin will be healthy again in no time. 

You may remember Chief - the rescued donkey who grew a new hoof after a severe injury to his foot. Recently, he had a localised injury on the sole of his new hoof, which caused bleeding and blood accumulation in the affected area. The bleeding was controlled and pain medication and prophylactic bacterial treatment was administered. The affected area was protected by bandages and padding. ZWDP are happy to report that Chief is now much better and his lameness has significantly reduced. See the before and after videos below.

ZWDP rescued five donkeys in February. Mary and her foal, Sindalise, were seen at Libuyu Market during a mobile outreach clinic. Mary had wounds on both front knees and the left wound was infected. When the team spoke to the owner about treatment, he would not comply. The police and traditional leaders from the owner’s village advised him to take Mary and her foal to ZWDP’s sanctuary, Maramba Farm. It took the owner 25 days, but he finally agreed to leave Mary and her foal at the sanctuary for respite and treatment.

The second rescue case involved a female donkey named Future. Sadly, she was being worked by a young boy while heavily pregnant. The boy and his father were educated as to why this was unacceptable and were given a verbal warning. Future has been taken to ZWDP’s sanctuary until she gives birth.

Another donkey rescued was called Sepa. She had a large wound on the right side of her back, which the owner attempted to treat himself. Thankfully, he sought further advice and has agreed Sepa can remain at Maramba Farm until she has completely healed and is ready to return home.

Swaziland and White are two more lovely donkeys who recently joined ZWDP’s rescue herd. They were both confiscated from their owners.  Swaziland has numerous wounds that appear to have been caused by injuries to her skin. White is receiving treatment for a neck wound and facial sunburn. These donkeys now have hope for a better quality of life.  

The other rescued equines at Maramba Farm are as cheerful as ever. Due to the regular rain, there has been ample food and water! The rescue herd recently received their routine deworming and dipping treatments.

Thank you so much for your compassion for working animals. With your ongoing support, we can continue to fund ZWDP’s vital veterinary programs, rescue operations and wonderful sanctuary for donkeys in need.