Celebrating Donkeys on World Donkey Day & Remembering our colleague Mollel
Celebrating Donkeys on World Donkey Day
On May 8th, Animal Aid Abroad (AAA) joined forces with our partner Lake Zone Animal Welfare Organization (LAZAWO) to celebrate World Donkey Day in Geita, Tanzania. This global event highlighted the vital role donkeys play in communities worldwide and the importance of ensuring their welfare through education, veterinary care, and compassion.
Three Days of Awareness and Action
From May 5–7, AAA and LAZAWO hosted a dynamic program that included:
Educating children to value and care for their donkeys on World Donkey Day.
TV and radio interviews raising awareness about donkey welfare.
Educational sessions with local school children focused on humane handling, proper care, and the Five Freedoms of animal welfare.
Community clinics teaching adults how to care for their donkeys and prevent injuries.
Durable posters displayed in schools and public areas, serving as permanent reminders of compassion and proper treatment.
The campaign was enthusiastically received by both students and adults, highlighting a strong opportunity to expand outreach and reduce suffering through ongoing education.
Honouring Mollel’s Legacy
This month, AAA also remembers Emmanuel Peter Mollel, a dedicated para-vet from Tanzania who tragically passed away in April while travelling to treat a wounded donkey.
Thanks to your generosity, our appeal raised $4,828.64, covering funeral expenses for Mollel’s family and funding the construction of a new ICU/hospital stable at the Geita Sanctuary. This facility will be named in his honour, ensuring his compassion continues to protect donkeys in need.
We extend heartfelt thanks to Jen and Tracy at Red Parka, whose generous contribution helped make this stable possible and who are also funding upgrades to secure the main stable against predators at night.
Global Impact Made Possible by You
World Donkey Day celebrations and the ICU stable project both reflect AAA’s mission: turning burden into care and proving that local partnerships are the key to global change. Together, we are ensuring that donkeys — often overlooked yet essential to communities — receive the dignity, safety, and compassion they deserve.
Educating workers on humane treatment of their donkeys.