I’m writing to share an update on our vital work in Egypt – supporting the hardworking donkeys and mules of the brick kilns.
In just two years, since we started our work in El Saf, we’ve seen remarkable improvements in animal welfare across the kilns. This is all thanks to your generosity.
Our team’s tireless efforts are making a real difference – from treating injuries to educating owners on better care, the change has been truly heartening.
This progress simply wouldn’t be possible without your continued support. Thank you, from all of us – and from the donkeys too.
An update from Egypt
When we first started our work in 2023, it was rare to see a donkey in the brick kilns without wounds. Most were suffering from injuries caused by poorly fitting harnesses, overwork, and lack of rest.
Wounds were once common on the donkeys we treat in the brick kilns – caused by poor harnessing and other injuries
But today, thanks to our two mobile vet teams and our programme of education for donkey handlers, the situation has dramatically improved. Now, a high percentage of donkeys are working without wounds – a sign of real progress and improved welfare.
We are now seeing more donkeys with good body conditions and less wounds.
To help reduce harness-related wounds in the kilns, Dr Shaaban has introduced a qualified harness maker to the donkey owners there. The harness-maker is now working in the area, providing well-fitted, humane harnesses that are making a big difference to the comfort and wellbeing of the donkeys.
Dr Shaaban sits with the harness-maker recently introduced to the El Saf kilns by our team. Proper harnessing is key to reducing wounds and injuries – we’re already seeing an improvement since their introduction.
Thanks to the improvements we’ve seen in the kilns, our team has been able to extend support to surrounding communities too. Recently, we received an emergency call from a donkey owner in a nearby village. His young donkey was suffering from severe lameness, with swelling from above the knee down to the elbow.
With better conditions in the kilns, our vet teams are able to work in the local communities too – helping donkeys like this one.
The owner told us the donkey had been hit in a car accident. Because Dr Shaaban’s team were already working in the area, they were able to respond quickly and give the young donkey the urgent care he needed.
Dr Shaaban was able to provide emergency care to the young donkey – here he is x-raying the injured animal.
Unfortunately, the donkey had suffered a fracture in his right radius. Our team acted quickly and, under general anaesthesia, applied a cast to support the healing process.
The donkey had a fractured leg – so was given a general anaesthetic to reset the bone and apply a cast.
While waiting for the donkey to recover from the anaesthetic, one of our team, Moharam, took the opportunity to speak with the owner about proper donkey feeding and care. It was a chance not only to treat an injury, but to share knowledge that will help prevent future problems.
While the donkey recovers from the anaesthetic, Maharam chats to the owner about donkey care.
The donkey responded well to his treatment and is now on the mend – and we’re hopeful he’ll make a full recovery soon.
We’re now hopeful the donkey will make a full recovery, thanks to your support.
This is just a one example of the donkeys you are helping. Thanks to you, we can fund vet teams to help donkeys in need, providing free vet care.
Thank you ♥️♥️
Everything our vet teams do to support working donkeys, mules, and horses is only possible because of you. Your generosity helps us protect animals and support their owners across the West Bank, Gaza, and Egypt – as well as care for rescued donkeys at our sanctuary in Israel and our rescue centre and hospital in the West Bank.
Thank you for making this vital work possible.
We are seeing big changes in animal welfare in the El Saf kilns – donkeys like this one have fewer wounds, and a good body condition.