creating a better future for working donkeys in zambia
With your invaluable support, the Zambezi Working Donkey Project (ZWDP) are creating a better future for all donkeys in Zambia. The veterinary team reached 193 donkeys last month, while their harness-making program led to 17 cruel ox yokes being replaced with humane harnesses. These ensure donkeys experience less pain and injuries while working, and greatly improve their welfare.
july overview
Thanks to your generous support, the ZWDP team continues to make significant advances in our mission to protect and care for Zambia’s working donkeys.
In July, our team attended to 193 donkeys. We provided 119 dipping treatments for disease prevention, dewormed 38 and delivered wound care to 14 donkeys suffering from injuries.
In our harness-making workshop, 17 harmful ox yokes were replaced with humane harnesses. Two existing harnesses were also replaced, meaning a total of 19 harnesses were distributed last month.
These activities have moved us closer to a better future for the donkeys under our care.
mobile veterinary clinics
We held four mobile clinics during July in Katapazi, Siakasipa, Wicket, and Katubia villages.
Alongside our usual dipping and deworming for disease prevention, our teams carried out 12 wound treatments in the field. These were mainly due to improper harnessing and sores on the donkeys’ gluteal areas from working.
Katapazi was one of our largest clinics, where we replaced tokes and treated several donkeys for deep neck wounds and gluteal sores.
During one of our outreach days at Libuyu Market - an area close to Maramba Farm where many villagers regularly bring their donkeys and goods to sell - our team identified two donkeys who had come from Katapazi Village with deep neck wounds. We collaborated with the owner to bring them into our care for treatment, with plans to release them once they have healed.
We have a long-standing relationship with this community and are using this opportunity to speak with them about proper care and rest for their donkeys.
rescued donkeys - hunter & kabucha
We are pleased to share an update on Hunter and Kabucha - the two donkeys rescued from Mukalahani Village after an axe attack. Both have been recovering well under our team’s care. They spent three weeks on box rest, receiving Aqua Flavins and having their wounds cleaned with antiseptic solution twice daily.
We have seen a tremendous improvement in their healing, with both donkeys showing renewed energy and eagerness to walk and move around. They have now been integrated into our rescued herd so they can graze freely again.
Hunter will remain at Maramba Farm as a permanent resident, as his wounds mean he can no longer work, while Kabucha will return to his owner once fully recovered. His owner will receive further education about keeping his donkeys safe from future harm.
sanctuary update
In other sanctuary news, we released Msimbi in July. She was one of our temporary rescues who came to us last October with a mass on her abdomen. Following surgery and treatment, she has healed fully and returned to her owner’s care.
Our other rescued donkeys at Maramba Farm continue to do well. We have completed two new paddocks on the property, which are shaded by tall trees and will offer welcome relief from the heat as summer approaches.
Visitor centre
Finally, we're excited to share news from the visitor centre. At the start of July, we hosted a corporate social responsibility event with a local hotel, marking the beginning of a partnership that will support future events and our harness-making program. The hotel donated used linens, which we will repurpose into harness materials, giving them new life and supporting a circular economy.
The event drew local press coverage, which we hope will help grow our reach and support within the community.
Thank you
It is thanks to your generous support we are able to help donkeys in Zambia, and we will continue improving their lives wherever and whenever we can.
