Animal Aid Abroad (AAA), together with our partner Lake Zone Animal Welfare Organization (LAZAWO), is transforming the welfare of working donkeys in Tanzania’s Geita region. In April, LAZAWO provided veterinary care to 382 donkeys, while expanding education and outreach programs that are building lasting awareness among communities.

Background: Building Compassion Through Care

With your support, LAZAWO’s veterinary team continues to assist donkeys who carry heavy burdens in rural households and gold mines. Treatments addressed wounds, lameness, respiratory conditions, trypanosomiasis, and fractures. Alongside medical care, owners received training in humane handling, low‑stress techniques, and better shelter practices to reduce trauma and injuries.

Reward Program Encourages Humane Practices

Through AAA’s anti‑cruelty and reward program, donkey owners in Magenge and Lwamgasa were recognized for keeping their animals healthy and free from wounds. Winners received AAA tee‑shirts and hats, motivating others to adopt humane care methods. This initiative is driving behavior change, with more handlers replacing harmful sticks with safer tools like shakers.

Stories of Recovery: Ntumizi, Njinga, and Stella

Ntumizi, a donkey rescued in March with a severe hind limb injury, has now fully healed thanks to sanctuary care, proper nutrition, and wound management.
Njinga, found bleeding from a deep cut, underwent surgery and intensive treatment. Today, he has fully recovered — a testament to timely intervention.
Stella (Mama Deo), a mother donkey with a serious fracture, received a cast and supportive therapy. Her slow but steady recovery highlights the importance of immediate veterinary response to cruelty cases.

Outreach Clinics Strengthen Awareness

Two monthly clinics in Magenge and Lwamgasa trained 50 owners and handlers on proper donkey care. Education emphasized penalties for cruelty, humane handling, and the importance of early treatment. The growing number of calls for assistance — even for minor issues — reflects rising community awareness that donkeys deserve care and compassion.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite progress, challenges remain:

Persistent cases of cruelty and low awareness in some communities.
Lack of infrastructure and diagnostic tools, such as portable X‑ray machines, limiting treatment of severe fractures.
Ongoing donkey deaths from tetanus, underscoring the urgent need for a tetanus vaccination program.

The LAZAWO team also faced emotional strain following the tragic loss of team member Emmanuel Peter Mollel, whose dedication to donkey welfare will be remembered. AAA supported his family and colleagues with funeral arrangements, reflecting our commitment to both animals and the people who care for them.

Global Impact Made Possible by You

Every treatment, rescue, and outreach session is powered by your generosity. Together, AAA and LAZAWO are turning burden into care and proving that local partnerships are the key to global change — ensuring that working donkeys in Tanzania live healthier, safer, and more dignified lives.