📣 Colombia’s Animals Need Our Help!
Helping Animals Affected by Colombia’s Earthquake
Giving food and water to horses and mules that are being used to fight the fires.
On 10 August 2026, Colombia was struck by the most powerful earthquake the country has experienced this century. The 7.4 magnitude quake claimed hundreds of lives, left countless others injured or missing, and reduced entire communities across western Colombia to rubble.
As rescue efforts began, another disaster was already unfolding. An intensifying El Niño has fuelled severe drought and catastrophic wildfires that continue to sweep across the country. Pastures have been destroyed, water sources have dried up, and thousands of animals are now facing unimaginable suffering. For animals, the crisis is overwhelming.
Horses, donkeys and mules that families depend on for their livelihoods are being injured, burned and worked beyond exhaustion. Livestock are starving as grazing land disappears. Wildlife is fleeing the flames, while countless companion animals have been left homeless as families struggle to survive. When disasters of this scale occur, animals are often the forgotten victims.
Treating horses and mules that are carrying water to the fire front.
Thankfully, our trusted Colombian partner, Namigni Animal Sanctuary, has been responding since the very first days of the emergency. Led by Miguel Aparicio, dedicated veterinary teams have beenrescuing injured animals, providing emergency veterinary treatment, delivering food and clean water, and transporting animals from dangerous areas wherever they can safely reach them. However, the crisis is growing. Miguel’s current 20-acre sanctuary is already operating at full capacity. Every available space is occupied, yet the calls for help continue to increase each day.
A bullock with no food left to eat.
A remarkable opportunity has now arisen to lease a nearby 150-acre property, situated between two protected nature reserves. This larger property would immediately provide safe grazing, shelter and rehabilitation for many more horses, donkeys, mules and other vulnerable animals affected by the earthquake and wildfires, while also creating the foundation for a permanent expansion of the sanctuary. This is far more than emergency relief. Leasing this property will allow Namigni to save many more animals today while building the capacity to respond to future disasters for years to come.
Rather than funding a short-term response, we have the opportunity to invest in a lasting solution that will continue protecting working animals long after the current emergency has passed.
Animal Aid Abroad is launching an appeal to raise AUD $15,000.
Your donation will also help:
Fund the lease of this 150-acre property for six months while Miguel transitions from the existing sanctuary. During this period, he must maintain both properties, something that is simply beyond his financial means without assistance.
Rescue and rehabilitate horses, donkeys, mules and other animals affected by the earthquake and wildfires.
Provide emergency food, clean water and veterinary treatment.
Expand sanctuary capacity so many more animals can be saved.
Build a stronger, more sustainable rescue facility capable of responding to future emergencies.
Every contribution, no matter the size, will make an immediate and lasting difference. When human tragedy strikes, animals have few voices to speak for them. Together, we can ensure they are not forgotten.
Please donate today and help us give Colombia’s animals the safety, care and second chance they so desperately need.