A Safe Place Where Vulnerable Donkeys Experience Only Love, Care and Kindness
At the Starting Over Sanctuary in Israel, the Hope Complex is currently home to 65 rescued donkeys. These animals, many of whom have endured neglect, abuse, or trauma, now receive veterinary care, nutritious feed, and physical and psychological rehabilitation thanks to your compassionate support.
Transforming Lives Through Care
In May, six donkeys entered the Hope Complex:
Two bonded donkeys, struggling to integrate socially in their herd, were moved into the complex. Both received dental treatment and are now regaining weight in a protected environment.
Three elderly donkeys were transferred from the infirmary’s geriatric ward to the specialized area for underweight and aging animals.
One elderly jenny, suffering from sensitivity to Habronema parasites, was relocated for closer monitoring and frequent treatments.
Last month, eight donkeys, two mules, and one mare left the Hope Complex:
One jenny who had spent approximately two months in the complex recovering from an eye enucleation returned to the rehabilitated herd.
Two jennies returned to their herds after their skin conditions improved following treatment.
Two donkeys returned to their herd after recovering from facial abscesses.
A mother and her son moved to the rehabilitated herd after the mother underwent successful treatments, which resulted in significant improvement of her orthopaedic condition.
Another jenny also moved after two successful hoof trims led to substantial improvement of her hoof condition. The move was intended to provide her with more space for exercise and movement.
Two mules and a mare were transferred to an area designated for geriatric horses.
So once again, the Hope Complex is occupied solely by donkeys!
Recovery and Transitions
Last month, eight donkeys, two mules, and one mare left the Hope Complex after successful rehabilitation:
A jenny recovering from an eye enucleation returned to her herd.
Several donkeys rejoined their herds after treatment for skin conditions, abscesses, and hoof problems.
A mother and son moved to a rehabilitated herd following significant improvement in the mother’s orthopedic condition.
Two mules and a mare were transferred to the geriatric horse area, leaving the Hope Complex once again dedicated solely to donkeys.
Losses and New Hope
Sadly, two beloved jennies passed away in May — one due to deteriorating orthopedic injuries, and another from a severe reaction to anesthesia during surgery. These losses underscore the vulnerability of rescued animals and the importance of compassionate end‑of‑life care.
At the same time, hope continues: two donkeys were fitted with new prosthetic limbs and are adapting well, a milestone in rehabilitation that reflects both resilience and innovation in animal welfare.
Why This Matters
AAA’s mission is to improve the treatment and welfare of animals suffering due to human use, dependence, or exploitation. By supporting sanctuaries like Starting Over, we ensure that vulnerable donkeys receive lifelong safety, dignity, and kindness.
Together, AAA and Starting Over are proving that local partnerships are the key to global change — turning trauma into care and ensuring that rescued donkeys in Israel experience only love, compassion, and hope.