At Namigni Animal Sanctuary in Colombia, the veterinary team successfully treated several equines with complex conditions during May. Thanks to your kind support, they were also able to continue providing excellent care for over 20 rescued horses and donkeys at their sanctuary, despite rising feed costs.

May Mobile Clinics – Northern Sabana de Bogotá

During May, the Namigni/AAA veterinary team - under the leadership of Dr Carlos Mario Jaramillo - carried out two mobile clinic interventions in the Northern Sabana of Bogotá.

These visits were initiated at the request of farm owners who had learned about our work and invited the team to examine their working equids.

In the current national climate - where rural communities remain cautious and hesitant to engage with new initiatives ahead of a major election - these invitations represented valuable openings. They provided the perfect opportunity for our team to deliver essential veterinary care while continuing to build trust with local handlers and owners.

Case Highlight: Elderly Female Donkey with Genital Prolapse

One of the most significant cases was a follow‑up visit for an elderly female donkey previously observed in late 2025 with a genital prolapse. She is no longer used for work or breeding, and her owner expressed genuine affection for her.

Unfortunately, however, the prolapse had worsened. Given her advanced age and high anesthetic risk, surgery was ruled out. The team implemented conservative management as follows:

● Protected exposed tissue with sterile, saline‑soaked dressings.

● Reduced swelling using hypertonic agents and cold compresses.

● Performed careful manual reduction under standing sedation.

● Placed retention sutures across the vulva to maintain reduction while allowing urination.

● Administered anti‑inflammatory medication, broad‑spectrum antibiotics, and supportive care.

The owner committed to housing her in a quiet, padded environment to minimize straining. The intervention successfully stabilised her condition without surgery, providing comfort, dignity, and improved quality of life, though recurrence remains possible.

Additional Cases

● Two‑year‑old colt with severe hoof neglect: Corrective care was performed, enabling the colt to stand and walk normally. The hoof care kit donated by AAA Board Member Jenny Grant proved invaluable, addressing this case and other minor hoof issues.

● Dental care: Several odontological cases were managed using an equine mouth gag also donated by Jenny Grant, ensuring proper examinations and treatments.

Overall Impact

Across the two clinic days, 12 working equids received essential interventions including:

Deworming,
Vitamin supplementation,
Hoof trimming and
Dental care.

This took place alongside the special case of the elderly donkey.

Context and Challenges

May was marked by Colombia’s tense political climate ahead of the presidential election. We observed a worsened context compared to our April clinic. This polarization created hesitation among some communities, limiting access to animals until the situation stabilises.

Despite these challenges, Namigni and AAA continue to build trust with local dairy farming communities that use working equids abundantly. Access to working equids in this sector remains difficult due to the private and isolated nature of rural operations, where animals are rarely seen by anyone other than their immediate handlers.

Yet progress is evident: veterinary teams are increasingly welcomed, enabling delivery of lifesaving care and constructive welfare education in a collaborative, non‑confrontational manner.

Updates on Rescued Equines at the Sanctuary

In May, the sanctuary continued to face the heavy burden of feeding costs for the 20+ rescued donkeys and horses currently under our care. Prices for hay and specialised feed rose again compared to March, intensifying the challenge.

Specialised feed is also essential for younger rescues who are still growing, and for older equines needing balanced nutrition.

Thanks to the additional support from Animal Aid Abroad, together with the generous matching contribution of patron Philip Wollen, we were able to absorb the rising feed costs and maintain consistent nutrition and medical care for our equines.

This backing remains critical to sustaining their welfare as market volatility continues to affect hay and specialised feed prices. The importance of this support is heightened by the widely anticipated “Super El Niño” phenomenon, repeatedly flagged by national weather authorities, which is expected to further strain agricultural production and drive costs upward.

With your wonderful ongoing support, we have no doubt Namigni Animal Sanctuary will continue reaching more working animals in Colombia to improve their comfort, dignity and quality of life.