Help Us Alleviate the Suffering of Working Gold Mine Donkeys
For the months of May and June 2025, Animal Aid Abroad (AAA) is shining a light on the working gold mine donkeys of the Geita region in Tanzania, Africa. On World Donkey Day (May 8), we not only highlighted the need for greater attention to the plight of working donkeys in developing countries, but we also aimed to tell the story of the gold mine donkeys in Tanzania.
Donkeys working in a gold mine
Some of the suffering these working donkeys endure includes:
Infections from rabies, tetanus, and sometimes trypanosomiasis (from tse-tse fly bites), which can lead to painful and slow deaths if untreated.
Crude wooden carts and harnesses with no padding, which rub directly against the donkey's skin, causing painful and lingering open wounds while still burdening them with heavy loads.
Untreated open fractures.
Limited access to proper nutrition, adequate water, and appropriate shelter in oppressive heat.
Normalised beatings, even when the donkey is meeting expectations, including strikes to the face and kicks and stones when lying down.
Difficulties in giving birth to foals without assistance, leading to the death of either the mother or the foal, or both.
Untreated lameness due to overwork, inadequate rest, joint disease, or untreated sprains/fractures.
Reluctance from animal handlers and owners to allow proper rest for the donkeys after long days of gruelling physical labour.
Fractured leg
Wound caused by improper harnessing
Knife-inflicted wounds on an abused donkey
Wound caused by improper harnessing
Donkeys who have been beaten
These scenarios are distressing and tragic for these animals, which is why AAA has partnered with a remarkable local organisation called Lakes Zone Animal Welfare Organisation (LAZAWO) to create change.
During May and June, we need your assistance to raise vital funds for veterinary support, medications, vaccines, and humane harnesses for 2800 donkeys who work across six gold mines in Geita.
With your help, a full-time veterinarian and para-vet are already on the ground treating donkeys, accompanied by a harness trainer. With your support, we have provided vaccines, medications, a clinic motorbike and soon, a much-needed education officer will also give support. Thanks to a generous donation from Philip Wollen, a clinic/rescue vehicle will soon be operational to assist these donkeys.
Treating fractured leg
Caring for a donkey affected by chemical exposure
Knife wounds are healing on this abused donkey
Treating an eye infection
Humane harnessing workshop with donkey owners
However, AAA and the LAZAWO team still need your support to fund this essential, life-saving work. One of the volunteers who has worked on site with LAZAWO stated, "There’s a real opportunity here, not only to reduce suffering in the short term but to shift attitudes, build local capacity, and create long-term systems that support humane treatment."
AAA needs YOUR HELP to make this happen. If you can only donate once this year, please consider contributing to assist the hard-working, suffering donkeys of Geita. Thank you!