Education Key to Preventing Donkey Abuse in Zambia

With assistance from your generous donations, the Zambezi Working Donkey Project (ZWDP) have made further strides towards their vision of a Zambia where working donkeys are free from suffering, treated with compassion and truly valued by the people who rely on them.

During March, the ZWDP team reached 268 donkeys in six villages, providing them with essential veterinary treatments. They educated 38 owners on how to properly care for their working animals, and replaced eight inhumane ox yokes with padded harnesses.

ZWDP are still dealing with problems caused by cruel ox yokes. Two donkeys, Gladys and Jet, were confiscated from their owner because he was using an ox yoke to work them. Thankfully, neither of them had wounds from the heavy yoke. After spending two days at Maramba Farm, the donkeys were released back to their owner and the ox yoke was replaced by a pair of humane harnesses.

Another donkey owner was found committing a similar offence and was immediately reported to the police, since he had previously received a pair of humane harnesses. The police warned the owner that animal abuse is illegal and the ox yoke was replaced with another humane harness. To encourage a sense of responsibility amongst villagers, donkey owners who have previously received harnesses are now charged a fee for replacement harnesses.  

During a visit to Chunga village, ZWDP’s supervisor spoke to donkey owners about the five rights of animals:

·      The right to shelter,

·      The right to food and water,

·      The right to love,

·      The right to peace and

·      The right to humane treatment.

These educational programs provide donkey owners with knowledge about animal welfare and help them develop a sense of empathy. As ZWDP are still dealing with animal abuse in some villages, education is proving to be even more vital.

Rescued Donkey Updates

At ZWDP’s sanctuary, Maramba Farm, Future recently gave birth to a beautiful female foal. She has been bright, alert and active since birth. Future was rescued after being worked whilst pregnant and unfortunately now has a hind limb abnormality. The team are hoping Future can remain with them permanently and are planning to discuss this arrangement with her owners.

A donkey rescued in February called White has improved markedly! Aside from wound treatment, White has been receiving treatment for sun burn on her face and is progressing well. The owner may be willing to relinquish her to ZWDP permanently, due to her wounds and the susceptibility of her skin to sun burn. Negotiations for her permanent care at Maramba Farm are still underway. 

Sepa and Swaziland, who were also rescued in February, are showing fantastic improvement as their wounds continue to heal under the dedicated care of ZWDP staff. These donkeys are very happy living in the peaceful surrounds of Maramba Farm.

Black, one of ZWDP’s earliest rescues, has been going well since she foaled little Joe. Joe has also been in good health since his birth. Black had mild conjunctivitis last month, so has been receiving a topical antibiotic for her affected eye. This may have been caused by a parasite transmitted by flies, which are more prevalent at this time of year.

To control flies at Maramba Farm, the team clear donkey waste from paddocks daily, routinely apply insecticides to paddocks, use fly traps, spray anti-fly treatment on donkeys, and use fly masks and socks.  

Deepest gratitude goes out to all of our incredible AAA donors. With your support, ZWDP can continue to enhance the welfare of working donkeys in Zambia and provide ongoing care for the special rescued residents at Maramba Farm.