a safe place where vulnerable donkeys experience only love, care & kindness
At Starting Over’s sanctuary in Israel, the team are currently caring for 65 rescued donkeys in their Hope Complex. Your compassionate support allows them to provide these special animals with intensive treatments, nutritious feed, and physical and psychological rehabilitation following neglect, abuse or trauma.
See how you’re transforming donkeys’ lives:
In May, six donkeys entered the Hope Complex:
Two bonded donkeys who arrived at the sanctuary together six months ago and had been living in another herd. They were moved into the complex because they had lost weight and did not appear to be integrating well socially within their herd. They both received dental treatment and will now be able to regain weight in a more protected environment.
Three donkeys were transferred from the infirmary's geriatric ward to the area designated for elderly and underweight donkeys within the Hope Complex.
One elderly jenny whose sensitivity to Habronema parasites had worsened was moved into the Hope Complex’s geriatric area, where she can receive closer monitoring and more 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!
Sadly, we also said goodbye to two beloved jennies in May:
One of them was a large jenny who arrived at the sanctuary with extensive orthopaedic injuries. For more than a year, the staff helped her stand several times a day. After a period of some improvement, her condition deteriorated. She no longer responded adequately to pain medication and no longer wished to stand. She was humanely euthanised.
Another jenny passed away during an eye enucleation procedure performed by a veterinarian, due to a severe reaction to the anesthaesia.
We are happy to report that two donkeys in the complex were fitted with new prosthetic limbs and are currently adapting to them. It is an exciting process!
Starting Over are deeply grateful for your continued support and could not carry out this important work for rescued donkeys without you. Together, we are ensuring these donkeys only experience loving care, safety and kindness for the remainder of their lives.