Kenya

The Donkey Sanctuary working in Lamu, Kenya

Lamu is a small island off the mainland of Kenya where time has stood still. Until recently donkeys were the only form of transport. There are an estimated 2,200 donkeys on the island which are used in agriculture but also in carrying household provisions and building materials.

Dr. Svendsen first visited Lamu in 1985 whilst on holiday. Worried by the poor condition of the working donkeys, regular treatment clinics including a six monthly worming programme have been established. On 4th July 1987 the Lamu Sanctuary first opened its doors. Since that day the health and condition of the donkeys has improved considerabley and the primitive practices of bleeding a donkey or burning them with hot irons to treat illness is thankfully being reduced.

The Sanctuary provides treatment to all donkeys free of charge.  The twice-yearly de-worming programme on Lamu and the surrounding islands has contributed immensely to the better health of the donkeys. A marked improvement in donkey care has been seen since the annual competition for the best condition donkey was started.

The watering area on Lamu did not provide adequate drinking facilities for the donkeys so the existing well is undergoing extensive renovation, including roofing to provide shade and installation of a pump to supply the drinking troughs. This is now nearing completion, and a new concreted, roofed treatment area will then be constructed alongside the well.

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