a sanctuary offering care, safety and comfort for vulnerable donkeys

Lake Zone Animal Welfare Organization (LAZAWO) run a wonderful sanctuary to provide intensive treatment and rehabilitation, or long-term care for particularly vulnerable donkeys.

Donkeys who can no longer work will remain at the sanctuary for the rest of their lives in safety and comfort.

1. Overview

 In January, the sanctuary continued to be a veterinary care and rehabilitation centre, and a home for donkeys who were admitted during previous months.

Significant progress was achieved for these donkeys and hopefully some of them will be returned to their owners.

2. Veterinary Activities

Throughout January, the sanctuary team concentrated on ongoing veterinary treatment, monitoring, and supportive care for all admitted donkeys. This included donkeys under temporary treatment, and permanent residents who are blind or otherwise unfit for work. These special donkeys continued to receive assistance for grazing and feeding, wound management and medical treatment as required.

3. Construction Activities Update - Completion of Laboratory and Storehouse

The construction of the sanctuary’s laboratory and storehouse was recently completed. These facilities have now been equipped with essential furniture and veterinary tools, including:

• Table and chair

• Medicine storage cabinet

• Quick cabinet

• Microscope

• Faecal analysis tools

• A solar power system and an inverter to ensure reliable power supply

These improvements have significantly strengthened the sanctuary’s capacity to deliver timely diagnostics, safe medicine storage, and effective veterinary services.

4. Current Sanctuary Status

As of the end of January 2026, the sanctuary continues to care for 11 donkeys, consisting of:

• Permanent residents (blind or permanently unfit for work)

• Donkeys receiving ongoing treatment and rehabilitation

All residents remain under close veterinary care and daily welfare monitoring by the sanctuary team and attendant.

5. Conclusion and Appreciation

January was a month of consolidation and capacity building, marked by continued veterinary care for admitted donkeys and the successful completion of key sanctuary infrastructure.

The launch of the faecal analysis program represents a major step towards improved parasite control in working donkeys across Geita.

These achievements were made possible through your continued support and funding for medications, construction, equipment, feed, transport, and veterinary services.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to improving the welfare of these beautiful animals.