a safe place in tanzania where rescued donkeys can rest & heal

At our partner sanctuary run by Lake Zone Animal Welfare Organization (LAZAWO), rescued donkeys receive all the gentle care, dignity and respect they deserve. Last month, they rescued three more donkeys in dire need. Thanks to your invaluable support, we are transforming the lives of these special donkeys.

1. Overview

The sanctuary continued to provide care and long-term support for donkeys requiring special attention, treatment and rehabilitation. Throughout July, the sanctuary remained committed to improving the health and welfare of rescued donkeys through veterinary care, proper nutrition, and daily monitoring.

Three more donkeys were recently rescued and admitted to the sanctuary for treatment and rehabilitation. This included two donkeys from Mgusu and one from Nyarugusu.

2. Veterinary Activities

Continued treatment and rehabilitation:

Throughout July, the veterinary team continued providing compassionate care and rehabilitation to rescued donkeys residing at the sanctuary.

Routine management included feed supplementation, provision of adequate grazing, wound treatment and dressing, administration of prescribed medications and regular health monitoring practices.

These interventions were carried out to promote recovery and improve the overall health and welfare of the animals.

Internal parasite examination:

As part of routine health monitoring, faecal samples were collected from selected donkeys residing at the sanctuary for internal parasite examination. The samples were examined under a microscope to detect the presence of gastrointestinal worm eggs and assess parasite burdens.

The findings guided appropriate deworming and parasite control measures, helping to improve the health and welfare of the donkeys through evidence-based treatment. 

New rescue case:

During July, a donkey named Nkwimba was rescued from Mgusu due to his poor body condition. Nkwimba was exhausted after working for a considerable time in a strenuous environment and needed to be rescued to avoid further suffering.

Nkwimba was rescued and transported safely to the sanctuary where he was given a full veterinary check-up and treatment. Nkwimba had access to clean water, good feed and a calm environment in which to rest and recuperate.

He also received regular health checks, hoof care, parasite control and body condition checks as part of his rehabilitation program.

Nkwimba’s story: use and discard - a common form of cruelty

In July, we responded to a call from Mwanajikuyu, reporting that his donkey Nkwimba was unable to stand for two days. After thorough clinical examination, Nkwimba was found to be very dehydrated and extremely weak to the extent that he could neither stand nor walk on his own. He had been lying in a hot sunny area with no shade.

After examining Nkwimba, we stabilised him with an IV infusion and multivitamin injection. We waited for him to gain enough strength to stand, then transported him to our donkey sanctuary in order to provide him with further treatment, a regular supply of food and water, and continued monitoring.

Following intensive care, Nkwimba is now healthy and has gained strength and weight.

We are very grateful to Animal Aid Abroad and Network for Animals for their generous support in terms of finances and equipment, which make it possible for our team to help working donkeys like Nkwimba.

Rehoming

Three donkeys were re-homed during July.

3. Current Sanctuary Status

As of the end of July, the sanctuary is home to 18 rescued donkeys: nine are permanent residents and nine are undergoing rehabilitation.

All rescued donkeys continue to receive consistent, compassionate, and professional care from the sanctuary attendant under close supervision from the LAZAWO vet team.

4. Conclusion and Appreciation

LAZAWO sincerely appreciates the continued support provided by Animal Aid Abroad and Network For Animals. Your generous assistance has enabled the sanctuary to continue rescuing, treating, rehabilitating, and providing lifelong care for donkeys in need.

We remain grateful for your support and look forward to continuing our shared commitment to improving donkey welfare.