The weekly report 'Safe Haven for Donkeys' : a special update from our teams working in the brick kilns of El Saf, Egypt

 

This week, I’m pleased to share a special update from our teams working in the brick kilns of El Saf, Egypt. Thanks to your kindness, our mobile vets are reaching working donkeys and mules who urgently need care - animals who simply wouldn’t receive help without you. Everything you’ll read in this report is made possible by your support. On behalf of all of us - and the animals you’re helping - thank you so much. Wendy Safe Haven UK Office An update from Dr Shaaban, Egypt An 11-year old donkey who has worked in the El Saf brick kilns for three years was recently reported to our team after developing a sudden and painful eye problem. He couldn’t open his right eye. It was constantly watering, and he was clearly in severe discomfort. Close-up of the corneal ulcer before treatment. When our team arrived, he was nervous and in obvious pain. A full eye examination revealed a corneal ulcer - a serious condition that can quickly lead to permanent sight loss if left untreated. Treatment began immediately. He received antibiotics to fight infection and medication to ease pain and inflammation. Our vets also applied a specialised treatment called platelet-rich plasma to help speed healing of the damaged surface of his eye. Medication is carefully applied to fight infection and reduce pain. But this donkey will need ongoing care, so we took time to train the stockman who looks after him, carefully explaining how and when to apply the eye medication so treatment could continue. Thankfully the donkey improved daily and went on to make a full recovery - with his vision completely restored. Corneal ulcers are common in the dusty, harsh conditions of the brick kilns. But because of our regular visits, cases like this are becoming less frequent in El Saf. This progress is only possible because of you. The donkey after his sight has been fully restored. In another urgent case, we received a call about a working donkey involved in a cart accident. He was in severe pain and bleeding heavily from one of his hooves. When our team arrived, he was badly lame on his left hind leg and visibly shaking. Front view of the damaged hoof before treatment began. On examination, we found a deep wound at the coronary band - the top of the hoof. An X-ray confirmed a fracture to a small bone inside the hoof. Our first priority was to stop the bleeding and prevent infection. The wound was carefully cleaned and soaked to reduce contamination, before a pressure bandage was applied. He was given antibiotics and strong pain relief, along with medication to reduce swelling and tissue damage. The team carefully repeat the hoof soak as part of ongoing care. Over the following weeks, the team provided regular follow-up care including gengle hoof trims to support healthy regrowth, and healing was closely monitored. Gradually the wound healed, and the hoof began to grow back normally. Today, he is standing comfortably again, a remarkable recovery from what could have been a life-ending injury. Amr, one of the Egypt team, with the donkey after his full recovery. Thank You  Your support funds our mobile vet teams in the West Bank, Gaza and Egypt, bringing veterinary care directly to working donkeys in desperate need. It also helps us care for rescue donkeys at our sanctuaries in Israel and the West Bank, where they receive nutritious food, specialist care, and the safety of a forever home. Thank you for caring for these gentle animals. Donate today You are helping to care for the donkeys of El Saf, working hard in the brick kilns every day. Thank you. 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.

Weekly report from Safe Haven for Donkeys: news from Gaza, West Bank, Egypt and Israel

 https://www.safehaven4donkeys.org/our-donkey-update-5th-february-2026/    Please scroll to the end of this newsletter to read the report of this month. Deep respect for the achievements of this amazing  animal welfare organisation

Dear friends, This week, we wanted to take a moment to thank you – and to share some examples of the difference you have made for donkeys, mules and horses over the past year. This update is dedicated to you. Everything in it exists because you chose to care about donkeys in need. Across Egypt, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, your generosity has helped save lives, ease suffering and protect working animals that people depend on every day. If you’d like to read the full report online, you can do so here. I hope you'll feel proud of the progress being made for donkeys - and the role you are playing in making possible. Thank you so much. Wendy Safe Haven UK Office PS. We’ll soon be sending a separate update to everyone who adopts a donkey. Donkey adoptions also make thoughtful gifts – perhaps Theodora could be your Valentine, or you could adopt Valentine for someone you love.

Gaza - life saving care in the hardest conditions

In Gaza, our mobile veterinary team has continued working through conflict, shortages and flooding to treat donkeys and horses in desperate need. These animals are often a family’s only means of transport to food, water and medical help. With the ceasefire holding, many families have returned home to find their animals injured or close to collapse, creating a surge in urgent calls to our team. Your support has meant wounds treated, pain eased and lives saved when there was nowhere else to turn.

In the refugee camps, the number of donkeys has increased sharply, meaning our team are needed more than ever.

The West Bank - mobile vet teams, rescue & recovery

Despite roadblocks and delays, your support has helped to keep our three mobile teams on the road in the West Bank, reaching working donkeys wherever help was needed.

Our head vet, Dr Rakan, leads one of three mobile vet teams in the West Bank.

You’ve also helped improve our hospital in Nablus, including a new surgical space, and ensured rescued donkeys arriving at our Arrana centre receive proper veterinary care and a nutritious diet. Animals that arrived weak and malnourished are now healthy, active and thriving.

Mahmoud runs our rescue centre in Arrana, in the West Bank.

Egypt - on-the-ground care for working donkeys

In the brick kilns of El Saf, two vet teams - funded by your support - treated more than 2,000 donkeys last year. Painful wounds were cleaned and dressed, lameness was eased, and animals were given immediate relief from exhausting working conditions. Just as importantly, your support has helped train owners, stockmen and farriers, reducing suffering before it starts, and given veterinary students hands-on experience to improve donkey welfare for years to come.

Our El Saf vet teams have made amazing progress in animal welfare - all thanks to you.

Israel - a safe permanent home for rescue donkeys

At our sanctuary in Israel, your generosity has helped care for 173 rescued donkeys while also improving their home for the future. New shelter, better fencing, improved water access and vital shade now help protect the herd through harsh weather conditions. You’ve also helped welcome new arrivals – donkeys who were abandoned, and who now have safety, care and a home for life. Recent arrivals included Anat and Arbel, a closely bonded rescue pair, as well as Deborah, who arrived pregnant, and a foal, Theodora, who had suffered a nasty dog bite before reaching the sanctuary.

Pregnant Deborah is being carefully looked after as the sanctuary team prepares for her new arrival.

Thank you Erna for being part of this work, and for everything you continue to make possible through your support - be it adopting a donkey, giving a regular gift, or supporting our appeals.

Thank You   Everything we do is made possible by you. Your donations are helping us to care for all the rescue donkeys at our sanctuaries in Israel and the West Bank. You are also funding our mobile vet teams in Gaza, Egypt and the West Bank, to provide vital veterinary care for working donkeys. Thank you for caring for these gentle animals.

Donate today

Here's Meme who lives at Arrana, our rescue centre in the West Bank. Just one of the rescue donkeys being cared for with your support. Thank you.

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.