Mateso’s Story: From Suffering to Hope

Recently, our partner group LAZAWO in Tanzania rescued an abandoned donkey called Mateso. He was left to die in a dreadful state, but thanks to the compassion of the LAZAWO team and your wonderful donations, he is - slowly but surely - beginning to heal.

You can read his full story below:

Mateso’s Story

On August 13th, the Geita regional leadership called us after spotting a helpless donkey who had been deliberately abandoned beside the main road in the Geita Game Reserve. Moved by the animal’s suffering, they urgently appealed for our help and we responded without hesitation. 

When our LAZAWO veterinary team arrived, the sight was devastating. The donkey was weak, covered in wounds and infections, nearly blind, and starving. It was painfully clear that his owner had abandoned him, leaving him to suffer and face a slow, lonely death in the bush; discarded as though he no longer mattered because of his condition. 

Using the Animal Aid Abroad rescue vehicle, we carefully brought Mateso to safety near our upcoming sanctuary site. There, he received urgent medical care, nourishing food and the gentle, loving attention he had been denied for so long. Being close to the sanctuary also allows us to provide continuous treatments and daily care. 

We named him Mateso, meaning “suffering”, to honour the immense hardship and neglect he has endured throughout his life. 

Today, Mateso is slowly recovering, eating well, gaining strength, and even showing small glimmers of trust and hope in his eyes. Yet, his journey is far from over. He still needs ongoing care, tender treatment, and a permanent home where he can fully heal, feel loved, and thrive. 

Mateso’s story is a powerful reminder of the resilience of donkeys and the transformative power of compassion. With your support, their pain can be turned into hope, their suffering into survival, and their lives into stories of love and second chances.