New Beginning for Donkeys in Israel: Psychological Rehabilitation at the Hope Complex
Animal Aid Abroad, together with our local partner Starting Over Sanctuary in Israel, is pioneering care for donkeys who need more than physical healing. In February, a new area called New Beginning was added to the Hope Complex, dedicated to donkeys requiring psychological rehabilitation from an animal behaviour therapist. Today, 65 donkeys are receiving holistic care at the sanctuary — proof that your support is giving vulnerable animals a chance to heal both body and mind.
Behavioural therapy in our new area
Behavioural Therapy in Our New Area
Earlier this year, an enclosed space was created for older and underweight donkeys needing special diets. With the addition of New Beginning, the Hope Compound has expanded into the Hope Complex, now comprised of three areas.
Eleven donkeys entered New Beginning in February, including:
Three jennies undergoing prolonged adjustment, fearful of humans and aggressive, now receiving behavioural therapy.
One timid jenny treated for an eye infection, moved to the new area for psychological support.
Two donkeys with medical needs, including a geriatric jenny from Gaza with severe orthopedic damage who is now standing independently after months of treatment, and another donkey with sensitive skin requiring daily care.
There are currently 65 donkeys in the complex.
Medical and Rehabilitation Updates
Five additional donkeys entered the Hope Complex last month:
A jenny with a traumatic hoof capsule avulsion, now showing promising regrowth with intensive treatment.
Two donkeys undergoing prolonged treatment for proud flesh.
An older malnourished jenny needing a calm environment and enriched diet.
A young donkey treated for recurrent skin fungal infection.
One jenny successfully completed rehabilitation, gaining weight after dental treatment and enriched feeding, and has now left the complex.
Conclusion and Appreciation
Despite the challenges in Israel, Starting Over Sanctuary continues to expand its capacity to care for traumatised donkeys — offering both medical treatment and psychological rehabilitation.
This progress is only possible thanks to your unwavering support. Together, Animal Aid Abroad and Starting Over are proving that local partnerships are the key to global change, ensuring that working animals are not only healed but also given dignity and hope.