Mannar Donkey Welfare Report
A Community Warming to Donkeys
January 2022
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⚠️ Warning: The following posts contain images that may be disturbing to some readers.
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Opportune Meeting - Admission No. 310
On his way home, our donkey welfare officer, Kathafi, noticed a donkey with a small wound on its leg. Kathafi alighted from his bike for a closer look. He informed the rest of the donkey rescue crew who arrived shortly after. The donkey got scared and galloped off fast. Not to miss a challenge, our staff followed suit. The donkey was caught, taken to the donkey clinic and treated by our vet. Antiseptic was used to clean the wound, then anti-parasitics daily. The donkey is healing well and we anticipate releasing it in about a week’s time.
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One Man’s Compassion - Admission No. 311
In Thurukkicity village lives Sulfi, a kind man. Three weeks ago a foal was hit by a speeding vehicle that failed to stop. Shortly after, Sulfi noticed the suffering, hobbling foal. When he approached the poor animal, the stench of the wound was unbearable. The foal had lost its hoof in the accident and it was still bleeding. A horde of crows hovered above, swooping to pick at the wound. Sulfi chased them away and contacted our centre at 6 o’clock in the morning.
Two donkey rescue staff responded immediately. The foal’s mother was nowhere to be seen so they loaded the foal into the truck and took off slowly. Soon the staff noticed a female donkey chasing after the vehicle and concluded that it was the foal’s mum. She too was loaded on and taken to the clinic. Medical treatment included antiseptics, painkillers, removal of maggots and anti-parasitics.
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A Stitch in Time - Admission No. 312
Prabakaran is a labourer from Thalvupadu. He was heading to Ahash Hotel for dinner when he noticed a foal and mother. The foal’s hoof was injured, probably in an accident. A swarm of flies were glued to the wound. Prabakaran rang our centre. Our crew reached the spot but noone was there. Then another call from Prabakaran to inform us that he had taken the foal to his house. That proved to be an easy catch. Back at the donkey clinic our vet and staff administered a daily regimen of Hydrogen Peroxide to clean the wound then Negasunt as the anti-parasitic, followed by Betadine, the antiseptic. In three weeks the foal had recovered completed and was released.
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A Shocking Act - Admission No. 313
Siyam is a Moulavi from Kaddaspaththri Mosque. On his way to work he was alarmed to see that someone had left a dead donkey in front of the mosque. In dismay, Siyam tries to unearth how the animal had got there. One bystander informed him that a local driver had hit the donkey and brought the donkey to the mosque because he had no idea what to do. Siyam asked why the Donkey Clinic hadn’t been contacted. The man was not aware of this service. Siyam then called the clinic. We responded, removed and buried the poor donkey in the clinic grounds.
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Human CCTV Cameras - Admission No. 317
Alhathir, the Donkey Clinic & Education Centre manager was returning to work when he saw a donkey on the main road on the outskirts of Mannar Town. A quick call and our rescue team responded quickly. The donkey’s neck and body had gaping wounds. It became a huge challenge to catch the scared and spirited animal especially as it was open road. After much persistence, the donkey was captured, taken back to the centre and treated. With special care, the wounds are healing well and the donkey is getting a lot closer to us.
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A Surprise Visit
Recently we were graced by a visit from the wife of the Australian High Commissioner, Monica Holly. Her interest in our donkey welfare program and her obvious delight at being in close contact with these lovable animals was palpable. His Excellency, David Holly, was also looking forward to his first visit to the Donkey Clinic & Education Centre but a punishing schedule took precedence. His predecessor, Bryce Hutchesson, was the first Australian dignitary to visit the centre when it was nearing completion.
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Keen Learners
A group of eminent animal and bird enthusiasts from Colombo descended on the Donkey Clinic to learn more about our donkeys, their history and current predicament. Bridging Lanka director, Jeremy, prepared a more academic presentation to suit the guests. Dozens of deeper questions and lengthy discussions ensured – much to the delight of both presenter and audience.
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Green Acres
As the cost of corn and rice bran soars and its availability unpredictable, we have responded by placing acres of land under Co3 grass cultivation. Green fodder is a primary and nutritionally valuable component of a donkey’s diet. Daily around 70 kilos are devoured by our donkeys. The strange discovery is that if we cut the grass, there is a much more willingness of the donkeys to eat it! Daily, poor Kathafi cuts kilos of grass for the donkeys’ daily fix.
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Happy Birthday, Alhathir
Alhathir, the Donkey Clinic Manager celebrated his birthday this month. He established the DCEC when he was 30 years. Now four years later the DCEC is the only donkey welfare facility in Sri Lanka as well as a premium tourist attraction in Mannar. Under his careful and strategic watch the DCEC is moving toward being a self-sufficient animal haven. We wish this young social entrepreneur the very best in his visionary pursuits.
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Down but Not Out – Yet!
After four years, our Tata donkey rescue vehicle has seen better days. Its heart, lungs and nervous system needs a proper overhaul but body organs are hard to come by and the associated costs are exorbitant. Sadly, ‘rustic’ blotches on its skin scream for a facelift. We apply a bandaid here and a heart stent there and the old girl stutters into life. Just how long before shedding its mortal coil is anyone’s guess. For now the donkey rescues continue.
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A Looming Catastrophe
Just metres away from the Donkey Clinic & Education Centre, heavy air core drill machines mounted on tractors roll on through to undertake the last stages of exploration. Much of Mannar Island is under threat from the mineral sand mining plans of Perth-based mining company, Titanium Sands Ltd. Even the donkey clinic and its surrounds are under threat. Once the dredging operation penetrates the shallow fresh water aquifer of the Island, instant sea-water intrusion will render this fragile eco-system untenable for fishing and farming livelihoods and life itself. Salinity of wells and ground water, destruction of old growth palmyrah forests and the habitats of Mannar’s famous migratory birds, especially the flamingo, will seal the fate of this biodiverse and historically rich part of Sri Lanka. Then what of our donkeys?
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Alhathir Shahul Hameed, Fathima Raseefa, M. Moyeez and Jeremy Liyanage
Bridging Lanka, January 2022
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In Australia, Bridging Lanka Ltd is a public benevolent institution (PBI) with charity status with the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission and deductible gift recipient status and charity tax concession status with the Australian Taxation Office. All donations are tax deductible.
In Sri Lanka, Bridging Lanka (Guarantee) Limited is a registered not-for-profit company with the Registrar of Companies and a Voluntary Social Service Organisation with the National Secretariat of Non-Governmental Organisations.
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