Weekly updates from Safe Haven for Donkeys in Egypt (9 photos )

The soft leather harness is made especially for the donkeys from your donations instead of the metal chains they had to suffer which caused deep wounds on their noses. The photo is a happy one.. Here the donkeys receive care but have to go back to work in brick kilns when they have recovered.

Dear  Friends, For now, I want to bring you two updates from the West Bank - one about a donkey whose recovery is going well, and news of Rakan the donkey (pictured above) who was moved from Arrana to Nablus this week. Thank you so much for all of your support. It's only with your help we're able to care for so many donkeys, mules and horses in the Middle East. With my warmest wishes, Wendy, Safe Haven UK Office   News from the West Bank You may remember this beautiful donkey from our 9th October update. He had suffered neglect from his previous owner, and although his new owner tried to help by trimming his overgrown hooves, he accidentally caused damage to the donkey's feet. Our team first visited the donkey a few weeks ago to provide treatment to his damaged hooves Thanks to Dr Rakan and Nour's skilled treatment and ongoing care, we're delighted to share the donkey is now making good progress. Our team checked on the donkey's progress - one hoof fully healed, the other almost there. His owner has promised to keep him resting until he's fully recovered. It's wonderful to see how your support is helping bring this donkey back to full health. Thanks to your support this donkey is almost fully recovered Over at our rescue center in Arrana, Dr Rakan and the team have now transported several donkeys to our hospital in Nablus for closer monitoring. Dr Rakan had noticed that Rakan the donkey - who first came into our care in 2023 after suffering terrible burns - had lost weight and needed additional support. Rakan the donkey has recently lost weight and needs close monitoring and care When Rakan was rescued in 2023, he had been found on the streets of Jericho, where he'd been cruelly set alight. His injuries were severe, but thanks to Dr Rakan's skill and compassion, he recovered after a surgical procedure to amputate his ear, and months of dedicated care. Now, our team will continue to monitor his health closely at Nablus, ensuring he receives the extra care and comfort he needs to stay strong and well. Rakan the donkey ready to be transported to our hospital in Nablus where he'll receive the best possible care from Dr Rakan and his team Our Nablus hospital is where Dr Rakan cares for the most vulnerable donkeys - and where he hopes to create a small surgical space to perform the procedures that make all the difference to their recovery - donkeys just like Rakan. Keep an eye out for our email on Sunday, where we'll be sharing more about Dr Rakan's plans! Thank You  Because of you , our vet teams in the West Bank can reach donkeys like Rakan - bringing treatment, comfort and hope where it's needed most. Your generosity also supports our mobile vet teams in Gaza and Egypt, and ensures the rescued donkeys at our sanctuaries in Israel and the West Bank continue to receive the daily care, kindness and safety they deserve. All of this is only possible because of you.  Thank you for helping so many donkeys live healthier, happier lives. Donate today Your support is helping to provide care for rescue donkeys like Rakan, who suffered the most terrible abuse before he arrived at Safe Haven If you'd like to read previous updates of our work,  please click here to visit out blog .  You can also  view today's update online by clicking here. The story of donkey Rakan (named after Dr, Rakan the vet) The story began when Dr Rakan, our vet in the Palestinian city of Nablus, received a call from his counterpart Dr Omran, over in Tubas. He had been alerted to a donkey abandoned on the streets of Jericho in a terrible condition. Dr Rakan immediately arranged transportation. He arrived at our Rescue Center in pain and in desperate need of veterinary care. The donkey had been set alight – and his ear was severely burned. He must have been in so much pain. Dr Rakan was appalled to see the donkey had 3rd or 4th degree burns to this ear. He immediately sedated the donkey, gave him a painkiller, antibiotics, and gently washed the ear in antiseptic, applying soothing cream before bandaging the ear. For several days the donkey was on antibiotics and painkillers, with his bandage changed daily. He was also given a tetanus vaccine. The poor donkey had been in so much pain, this treatment was literally a lifesaver, and only possible thanks to your support. After a few days of treatment the donkey's condition was stable enough for Dr Rakan to operate to remove the ear – an auriculectomy – as the ear was so badly damaged it was beyond saving. We're pleased to say the operation was a complete success. The donkey's head was wrapped in a special bandage containing antiseptic ointment and an absorbent dressing. The bandage was changed every day and the donkey was soon looking and feeling so much better. A little bit of heaven The donkey is now happy at our Rescue Center in the West Bank – he is interacting with the other donkeys and also with Dr Rakan and the team. And we're delighted to say he's made a full recovery. As Dr Rakan said:  “he is healthy and happy and will enjoy his life at Safe Haven. It's the most successful story I've ever told.” And the donkey's name? After a vote by our supporters, it was decided to call the donkey Rakan, after the wonderful vet who saved his life.