Ambitious New Plan Set to Boost Donkey Welfare Across Ethiopia
By Animal Correspondent, Jill Dando News and the Good News Post
The Donkey Sanctuary Ethiopia and Addis Ababa University have announced details of a new, joint strategy to elevate the status and welfare of Ethiopia’s hard-working donkeys and mules, at celebrations marking three decades of working together.
The ambitious five-year plan represents a new chapter in the long-running partnership between the international animal welfare charity and the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture (CVMA).
Drawing on the expertise of the two organisations, the focus will be on education, research, advocacy and specialist veterinary care to improve the lives of donkeys across Ethiopia and beyond.
Ethiopia has the largest population of donkeys in the world, estimated at around 10.6 million. Across the country, working donkeys play a vital role in sustaining livelihoods - carrying heavy loads and supporting women and children in their daily activities.
However, despite their significant social and economic contribution, they often endure injury, poor welfare and neglect.
In the capital, Addis Ababa, the Merkato neighbourhood is the site of a major wholesale grain market and one of The Donkey Sanctuary funded clinics. The clinic is run by the CVMA and treats over 4,000 donkeys every year.
As part of the new five-year strategy, the clinic at Merkato and another on the university’s campus at Bishoftu, are undergoing significant redevelopment to modernise the facilities and extend the care they provide.
The clinics will provide vital, specialist training to veterinary students and practicing vets in Ethiopia and beyond, further establishing them as regional centres of excellence and creating sustainable and far-reaching improvements in donkey welfare.
Director of The Donkey Sanctuary Ethiopia, Fegegta Lemma, said:
“Our partnership with the CVMA is about transforming the lives of donkeys in Ethiopia. We have three decades of shared experience to draw on and a solid strategy for the next five years that will significantly advance donkey welfare. This strategy also places a strong emphasis on research and advocacy, ensuring that donkeys and mules receive the recognition, representation and protection they need and deserve."
At Hiddy school, the local community gathered for a full day of celebrations to mark this milestone in donkey welfare.
School children led a parade through the town to the main square where there was donkey welfare-focussed entertainment in the form of dancing and theatre, as well a competition for local donkey owners to test their knowledge of what constitutes good welfare for their donkeys.
The formal ceremony at Addis Ababa University included an appearance from Ethiopian TV personality, Yonas Kebede, a passionate donkey advocate, who shared a poem about his regard for these sensitive and intelligent creatures.
It was also an opportunity for staff from the CVMA and The Donkey Sanctuary to reflect on the past three decades and deliver their shared vision for the next five years of partnership.
Dr Hika Waktole, Dean of the CVMA, said:
“We are proud to celebrate 30 years of partnership with The Donkey Sanctuary, whose support has been vital in advancing the welfare of donkeys and mules across Ethiopia.
"What began thirty years ago has grown into a respected partnership with national recognition. It’s positive impact reaches far beyond our university and deep into the heart of communities, where donkeys support and transform lives, especially those of women and girls.
"Together, we have accomplished so much—and we look forward to implementing this new strategy and the impact it will have."
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