israli sanctuary offers a safe place where rescued donkeys can heal & begin new lives
Starting Over in Israel are currently caring for 78 rescued donkeys at their sanctuary, including many who have complex physical and psychological needs. Thanks to your fantastic support, these donkeys now live in a safe environment and receive all the intensive care, love, support and nurturing they require to heal and begin their new lives.
23 donkeys receive intensive care
In July, 23 donkeys entered the Hope Complex:
Four older, underweight jennies - one with dental problems and another who is new to the sanctuary - entered the complex to receive a special diet for weight gain and close supervision.
Another elderly jenny entered for dental treatment.
One donkey who left the Hope Complex two months ago after treatment for a facial abscess returned. Since the wound still occasionally reopens, he will remain under supervision until it has fully healed.
Two jennies who are new to the sanctuary entered the complex. One has hoof problems requiring rehabilitation and she also needs behavioural rehabilitation. The other jenny is very timid and has vision problems. She needs time to adjust to her new surroundings in a quiet, safe environment.
One donkey had recently been castrated, and a hernia was discovered. We need to wait several months after the castration before surgery can be performed in that area. In the meantime, he needs a relatively protected environment.
A disabled jenny who is a permanent resident of the Hope Complex left the complex in preparation for giving birth. Sadly, she delivered a small, stillborn foal. After a period of recovery and monitoring, she returned to the complex.
Five mother-and-foal pairs entered the complex last month:
A mother and daughter who are both new to the sanctuary. The mother is disabled.
A mother and daughter. The young daughter is continuing to recover from injuries caused by severe abuse and is making good progress.
A mother and son. The son was born 11 months ago, and until now they had remained in the maternity area because he is not developing as expected. He has undergone examinations, but no cause for his developmental delay has been identified. He requires a protected environment.
A mother and son from the maternity ward - Dotty and Spotty. Spotty returned to the complex with her son to continue treatment for her skin condition.
A mother and son from the maternity ward. The mother returned to the complex with her son. She is disabled, having lost a hoof, and the Hope Complex is her permanent home.
In addition, a family of three entered the complex from the maternity ward. The mother arrived at the sanctuary with her son while pregnant and later gave birth to another foal at the sanctuary. They are all relatively small and need more time before they can be moved to the mother-and-child area.
six rescued donkeys heal and recover
Six donkeys left the Hope Complex in July:
Two entered quarantine in preparation for their flight to Europe, where they have found forever homes.
One moved to the maternity area, where she gave birth to a healthy baby girl.
One left after successfully completing dental treatment, and another after the removal of proud flesh.
Another jenny had entered the complex recently for the removal of proud flesh. However, following consultation, it was decided not to remove it at this time because of its problematic location and because it is not causing her any discomfort.
The Starting Over team are deeply grateful for your ongoing, meaningful support. Together, we are rescuing donkeys from situations of abuse, trauma and neglect, and allowing them to begin new lives in peace and safety.