Unlikely Friendship Between Horse and Donkey Melts Hearts in Ethiopia
By Animals Correspondent
An unlikely friendship between a horse and a donkey has captured hearts after the pair became inseparable at an animal welfare centre in Ethiopia.
Beletu, a four-year-old donkey, and Donsa, a four-year-old horse, first met after they were brought together at a centre in Bishoftu run by Addis Ababa University College of Veterinary Medicine, which works in partnership with the charity Working Animals International.
Although donkeys usually form close bonds with other donkeys, Beletu found an unexpected companion in Donsa.
When she first arrived at the centre in 2023, she was nervous and reluctant to leave the safety of her stable.
Dr Reta Tesfaye, Working Animals International's project lead at the university, said:
"When Beletu first arrived at the centre, she was shy and hesitant to approach people. Because everything was new to her, she preferred to stay inside her stable.
"Our team introduced her to Donsa so that she could have some companionship and they've been firm friends ever since. They live in adjoining stables, so they can see and interact with each other and during the day they graze together in a nearby field."
Staff say the pair have remained close ever since, spending their days side by side and providing each other with comfort and company.
Rebekah Sullivan, Director of Global Animal Health and Welfare at Working Animals International, said companionship is incredibly important for donkeys.
"Donkeys can become very distressed if they're separated from a bonded companion. They would usually form that bond with another donkey, so it's wonderful to see the special friendship Beletu and Donsa have developed."
Ethiopia is home to one of the world's largest populations of working horses, donkeys and mules, with the animals playing a vital role in helping families transport food and water, earn a living and get children to school.
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Working Animals International has worked with Addis Ababa University College of Veterinary Medicine for more than 20 years, supporting owners and improving the health and welfare of working animals across the country.
For Beletu and Donsa, though, life is much simpler.
Whether they're standing together outside their neighbouring stables or grazing side by side in the field, their friendship is proof that companionship doesn't always follow the rules.
