Progress for Working Donkey Welfare in Zambia: Local Partnerships Driving Global Change

With your generous donations, and through the dedicated work of our local partner Zambezi Working Donkey Project (ZWDP), 275 donkeys in Zambia received essential veterinary care in February. At the same time, 81 owners engaged in education sessions that are reshaping how working animals are treated.

This progress reflects AAA’s mission as the global lifeline for working animals, and highlights the importance of strong local partnerships in bringing care where it’s most urgently needed.

Summary

In February, your support helped ZWDP take further steps toward a Zambia where working animals are treated with compassion. Despite heavy rains and impassable roads, the team exceeded their monthly target by treating 275 donkeys in the field and engaging 81 owners in education.

Progress for Working Donkey Welfare in Zambia

Signs of Progress

The team held five mobile clinics, five field checks and follow-ups, and two drop-in days at Maramba Farm.

At Libuyu market, not a single overloaded scotch cart was seen during February — a clear sign that education is changing practices and protecting donkey welfare. This achievement reflects ZWDP’s ongoing efforts to teach owners about the dangers of overloading and the importance of humane treatment.

Progress for Working Donkey Welfare in Zambia

Addressing Inhumane Harnessing

While many owners are now compliant, some still use worn-out or unpadded harnesses that cause wounds. ZWDP addressed this by showing owners how to pad harnesses with old materials and encouraging the purchase of new, humane equipment. These practical steps are reducing injuries and improving daily life for working donkeys.

Sanctuary Animals Update

At Maramba Farm, rescued donkeys are thriving:

- Mwangala, a blind, elderly donkey with cataracts and severe wounds, was released into ZWDP’s care. He will now live out his life in safety and dignity.

- Little Mary, the orphaned foal, is growing stronger. She has transitioned from bottle-feeding to eating independently and now spends her days with other mothers and foals.

Every donkey treated is more than a number — it represents a family that can rely on healthier animals and a community learning compassion. Animal Aid Abroad is proud to stand alongside ZWDP, proving that local partnerships are the key to global change.

Together, we are turning burden into care.