As the colder months approach, we’re hard at work at our sanctuary in Israel and rescue centre in Arrana, making sure every donkey is safe, well cared for, and comfortable.
Today I’d like to share some photos of the ‘winter make ready’ at the sanctuary, along with some photos Dr Rakan has sent over from Arrana, following his regular check up of the donkeys.
Your support makes it all of this possible – thank you so much.
Update from the Sanctuary, Israel
Preparations for winter are in full swing. One of the biggest jobs is replacing the cover on the polytunnel at our Israel sanctuary. We do this every few years as the shelter protects the donkeys from rain and cold weather. Thanks to careful negotiations, the team reduced the contractor’s price – but the work still cost 35,000 shekels (around £7,700), which was funded from your regular gifts.
We’ve made the most of the dry sunny weather in Israel to replace the polytunnel cover. This is a vital preparation for winter.
Alongside the building works, the team is busy with essential upkeep. Recently, they scrubbed out all the water troughs – hard work, but vital to make sure the donkeys always have fresh, clean water. It’s jobs like these that keep the sanctuary donkeys healthy all year round.
Our team make sure the donkeys receive the best possible care – including the little things like cleaning the troughs.
Update from the Rescue Centre, the West Bank
Our rescue centre in Arrana continues to give donkeys who have suffered abuse and neglect a safe place to heal and thrive. On a recent visit, Dr Rakan and Wael were delighted to see the donkeys’ bright coats, playful energy, and healthy appetites. As Dr Rakan said, “It’s heartening to see them enjoying life after such difficult pasts.”
We think the Wael enjoys the visits to Arrana as much as the donkeys enjoy seeing him!
Mahmoud, who manages the centre day to day, has been working with the team to review feeding programmes and set tailored plans for individual donkeys. Plans are also underway to build a cosy new shelter for older donkeys, those recovering from injury, and newcomers who need time to settle in.
A new handling area will soon make routine treatments like deworming, vaccinations, and teeth rasping easier. The team is also planning a hoof-soaking passageway to help prevent and treat common hoof problems. We’ll bring you more news of these developments in the weeks ahead.
Dr Rakan provides check-ups to Derek, Donnie, Pen and Joe.
Soon, three donkeys – Rakan, Shula and Major – will move temporarily to our Nablus hospital for specialist feeding and care. In return, Patrick, Charlie and Meme will join the Arrana herd. With close supervision and medical checks, we’re confident the donkeys will soon regain their strength before returning to their home.
Ellen comes to say hello to Dr Rakan and Wael.
Thank you ♥️♥️
Thanks to you, our rescue donkeys at our sanctuaries in Israel and the West Bank receive the daily care they deserve. Your generosity also supports our vet teams, who work tirelessly to help working donkeys, mules, and horses across the West Bank, Gaza, and Egypt. None of this would be possible without you.
Thank you for making this vital work possible.
Just two of the donkeys at our sanctuary – Be’eri and Fabian, who are best of friends – cared for thanks to your support.