Appeal to Save the Donkeys of Gaza

Currently, donkeys in Gaza are some of the animals in most desperate need on the planet. Thanks to your kind donations through GlobalGiving, Animal Aid Abroad (AAA) is continuing to rescue these donkeys in conjunction with our partner group, Starting Over, in Israel.

With your generosity and compassion, Starting Over are helping many traumatised donkeys recover from their ordeals. After rescue, each donkey receives proper nutrition, veterinary care and plenty of love so they can finally feel safe again.

As of January, Starting Over had 49 rescued donkeys living in their Hope Compound sanctuary.

Please read the stories of the most recently rescued donkeys below:

Smeagol and Precious

Smeagol and Precious were rescued by Starting Over in December last year. Precious is a young female foal who was rescued from the West Bank. When the team discovered her, she was in a state of panic, desperately looking for her mum. Starting Over began an exhaustive search for Precious’s mother. Sadly, she had been sold to pull carts in another city in the West Bank but thankfully the team eventually located her.

With the assistance of Border Guard soldiers, Starting Over managed to rescue this donkey, who is now named Smeagol. Initially, Smeagol was in shock but this changed quickly and mother and daughter are now inseparable. Smeagol entered the Hope Compound malnourished but is now being properly fed and looked after.

In January, two more donkeys entered the Hope Compound.

Shandy

Shandy is an older jenny, approaching 30 years old. She arrived at the sanctuary with a chronic disorder of the fetlock joint, which causes her to limp. She has responded well to local steroid injections and painkillers.

Amos

Amos is a donkey with laminitis (inflammation of the hoof). He was in the hospital section for a while but has improved enough to enter the sanctuary compound. Amos will continue treatment with painkillers and regular hoof trimming.

Two donkeys also left the Hope Compound in January. 

Gloria

Gloria is an old jenny who is blind and weak, and has a deformed back. She has been moved to the hospital area for more intensive treatment and close observation.

Ayala

Ayala moved to the compound for rehabilitated donkeys following successful treatment of a throat abscess.

Thank you once again for giving to our campaign for donkeys in Gaza. You are allowing these precious donkeys to start a new life in safety and are ensuring they receive all the love and care they deserve after so much hardship.