Saving Donkeys from Starvation in a Time of Drought
Due to your compassion for working animals, your support helped to fund an essential feeding program in Mgusu, Tanzania. This area was severely affected by a drought that left many working donkeys vulnerable to malnutrition or starvation.
Read on to see how our partner group, Lakezone Animal Welfare Organization (LAZAWO), worked tirelessly to assist over 800 donkeys affected by the drought.
MGUSU DONKEY FEEDING PROGRAM REPORT
OCTOBER 2025
1. Background summary
The Mgusu Gold Mine - home to a large number of working donkeys - experienced a prolonged drought that extended beyond the normal summer period. Typically, by the end of September, rainfall would have encouraged the growth of new grasses, providing sufficient grazing for the resident donkeys. However, the extended drought led to a severe shortage of feed, resulting in poor body condition among the donkeys. Some animals even became victims of human cruelty as they wandered in search of food after completing their daily work transporting gold ore, timber and other materials.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, LAZAWO immediately reported the matter and sought emergency support from Animal Aid Abroad. Thanks to your generous assistance, we were able to conduct a supplementary feeding program to help the donkeys meet some of their nutritional needs. Using the funds provided, we procured concentrates, maize bran and feeders, and sourced hay bales from Mabuki, Mwanza. Feeding sessions were organised after the donkeys’ work hours and in the evenings, under the close supervision of the LAZAWO team.
This intervention provided the much needed relief to the working donkeys of Mgusu, helping to stabilize their condition during this difficult drought period.
2. Feeding program and records
The supplementary feeding program commenced on the 3rd of October after securing funds and procuring the required supplies. These included 6,016 kg of maize bran, 284 bales (equivalent to 4,280 kg) of hay, and appropriate feeders. The program was implemented under the supervision of the LAZAWO team.
Daily feeding activities were closely monitored to ensure all donkeys received adequate nutrition in clean and safe conditions, thereby preventing complications associated with overfeeding concentrates.
In total, 816 donkeys benefited from the program, with 2,744 individual daily feeding records documented.
3. Impacts of the program
This supervised 26-day feeding supplementation program supported 816 working donkeys in Mgusu by providing them with nutritious supplements. Although the program was short, it had a significant positive impact.
It helped save the lives of these donkeys by improving and maintaining their body condition through nutritional support. Many of them were at risk of starvation due to the ongoing drought, and the supplements enhanced their strength, working ability, and resistance to illness.
Moreover, the program helped reduce deaths and suffering caused by drought-related challenges, including human cruelty that sometimes occurs when animals are forced to search for food over long distances.
Our engagement with local communities - particularly donkey owners and attendants - during feeding hours also provided an important opportunity for education. They learned that donkeys, especially during prolonged droughts, require nutritional supplements to stay healthy.
As of November, a period of consistent and refreshing rainfall has revived much of the natural vegetation in Mgusu. Thanks to this resurgence of grasses and foliage, our working donkeys are able to access natural grazing.
4. Appreciation
The LAZAWO team extends heartfelt gratitude to Animal Aid Abroad and SPCA International for your timely support and compassion toward the working donkeys of Mgusu. Your assistance has brought relief not only to the animals but also to the families who depend on them.
Through this program, 816 donkeys received life-saving nutritional support, including concentrates and hay sourced from Mabuki. This vital aid has offered renewed hope during this challenging drought.
The Mgusu community joins us in expressing deep appreciation for your commitment and for the tangible difference you continue to make in the lives of working animals.