From Trauma to Peace: Transforming the Lives of Rescued Donkeys
At Starting Over’s sanctuary in Israel, donkeys are given a second chance at life. Most have been rescued from abuse, neglect and trauma.
Your wonderful support means these beautiful donkeys receive proper veterinary care, nutritious feed, plenty of TLC, and the opportunity to heal in a peaceful environment.
Currently, your compassionate donations are supporting 52 donkeys at the sanctuary.
During November, ten donkeys entered the Hope Compound (intensive care unit):
Four donkeys entered with orthopaedic conditions:
One newcomer has severely overgrown and deformed hooves due to long-term neglect. She has entered for prolonged orthopaedic rehabilitation.
Another jenny, also new to the sanctuary, is disabled due to an old fracture that healed poorly. She is expected to be a permanent resident.
A mother and son, who were at the compound a few months ago due to the son’s skin infection, have returned. The mother has laminitis and was treated in the infirmary for some time. She will continue her treatment in the compound, accompanied by her son.
Two donkeys entered for observation:
Another newcomer is suspected to be in late-term pregnancy, so requires observation.
A young donkey called Paolo arrived at the sanctuary eight months ago. He had an old fracture that healed poorly and was limping. He was left tied in a field and viciously attacked by seven wild dogs, suffering numerous deep lacerations, losing an ear, and developing an abdominal hernia. Paolo’s wounds have been successfully treated and his recovery has been remarkable. He is doing well, but due to his limp and hernia, he needs a more secure environment and has been moved to the compound from the infirmary.
One jenny entered for emotional support:
This jenny arrived recently at our sanctuary and is very scared and emotionally scarred. She has entered the compound for mental rehabilitation and to help her acclimatise.
Three other donkeys:
One jenny moved to the compound from the old donkeys’ compound. She has a large pressure wound from frequent lying, which will require intensive and prolonged treatment.
Two jennies were moved to the compound from another herd and are believed to be mother and daughter. The older one is very elderly and requires a special diet, while the younger one is underweight and really timid. She is responding well to the attention she is receiving in the compound.
Last month, four donkeys left the compound:
Two young jennies arrived together at the sanctuary three months ago. One of them was extremely malnourished and scared of people. Both have now gained weight, acclimatised well, and built up confidence. Due to their young age, they were moved to the mother and child compound, where they will have young companions.
One jenny moved to the rehabilitated herd after successful treatment of her damaged hooves.
The last jenny, who is disabled with a deformed leg, lived for a long time in the compound. Because she is strong and sociable, the medical staff decided to let her move to another herd with a bigger area.
Your ongoing support is transforming the lives of these rescued donkeys. With all the love, support and attention they receive from caring staff, they are able to recover from their traumatic pasts and finally find peace.