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Lamu
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, founder of The Donkey Sanctuary, 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 Our Sanctuary in Lamu first opened its doors in July 1987. Since that day the health and condition of the donkeys has improved considerably 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. Bylaw victory for donkeys in Lamu
By Emma Gill - Posted on 31st May 2011
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From today (1 June 2011), one of the main causes of premature death amongst donkeys in Lamu will be eliminated after successful lobbying by international animal welfare charity The Donkey Sanctuary and the Lamu Safi Environmental Group results in a ban on plastic bags on this World Heritage Status island. |
We have a donkey sanctuary on the island of Lamu, off the Kenyan mainland. This beautiful island is a popular tourist destination with its sandy beaches and attractive waterfront buildings, dating back to the 1700s. Its narrow streets were designed for donkey transport and part of its charm today is the almost complete absence of vehicles; donkeys are still everywhere, and many suffer the common problems of overloading and harness wounds. Our veterinary treatments are backed up by donkey welfare advice, and education sessions in the island’s primary schools. We have also extended our help to donkeys on the neighbouring islands by providing watering points and training community animal health workers, who can also give treatments and advice.
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About our work This beautiful island off the coast of Kenya, with its sandy beaches and attractive traditional buildings, is very popular with tourists – and part of its quirky appeal is the fact that donkeys are almost the only form of transport. We began deworming donkeys and providing veterinary treatments on Lamu and the surrounding islands in 1985 and opened a sanctuary and clinic in July 1987. Since then we have been treating ill and injured donkeys, and working to improve harness, reduce overloading, and generally promote good husbandry and care. We have a project leader on Lamu, a vet and a farrier, along with a team of trained donkey helpers who can visit communities on Lamu and the other islands. We also have an education/extension officer who visits schools as well as meeting and educating groups of donkey owners. |
.thumbnail.jpg "Lamu Donkey Competition April 2010")