transforming lives, one donkey at a time

At Starting Over’s sanctuary in Israel, the team had another busy month rescuing donkeys from abuse or neglect, and helping them to heal through treatment, love and care.

Your generous donations are currently supporting 57 donkeys in the Hope Compound, which is the sanctuary’s intensive care unit.

Last month, eight donkeys entered the Hope Compound:

• One jenny, who was found in the desert after being abandoned there. She arrived at the sanctuary following the amputation of her hoof due to leg-tying injuries. She came in terribly frightened and in pain, with an infection that had penetrated the bone. After intensive treatment in the infirmary and ongoing emotional rehabilitation, she is showing significant improvement. Her wound has nearly closed. She is in good condition and very friendly. Her stump will always require dressing every two to three days, so she is expected to be a permanent resident of the compound.

• Another young jenny, who is new to the sanctuary, is disabled due to old fractures in both front legs that healed poorly. She also has leg wounds from tying, which are recovering well.

• Three more jennies entered, who are also new to the sanctuary. They arrived with severely overgrown hooves and are very fearful. They require special and frequent hoof trimming, as well as behavioural rehabilitation.

• Our last three new residents came from within the sanctuary:

  • One donkey with extensive dermatophytosis requiring prolonged treatment.

  • One young female orphan who did not adjust well in her previous herd, and needs a safe space to gain weight and grow stronger.

  • One elderly female, almost blind, who gained weight in the infirmary and will remain in the compound for continued observation and a suitable diet.

Last month, three donkeys left the Hope Compound:

• One female with a suspected pregnancy was moved to another compound for continued monitoring.

• Another was transferred to the old donkeys’ compound following successful acclimation and dental care.

• Lastly, we said goodbye to a beloved elderly jenny - over 30 years old - who had been at the sanctuary since 2018. She was frail, showed neurological signs and had been receiving pain management for a long time. As her condition continued to deteriorate, the decision was made to put her to rest.

As always, thank you to all our dedicated supporters and donors. Your vital support means the world to Starting Over and allows them to continue rescuing donkeys in great need.