Welcome to your 2026 special annual edition of Stablemate. I want to begin by thanking you for your incredible kindness. Last year, your support made a real difference for working animals in urgent need, giving them hope and much needed care.
Your generosity is also driving real, lasting change. In Mauritania, working animals are now officially included in the national census for the first time since 1958, a major step in protecting them and ensuring access to essential care. In Ethiopia, our local partner has extended its reach to working camels in the remote salt pans of Afar, providing vital treatment in one of the harshest environments on Earth.
One of our biggest achievements was opening our new fixed centre in Tsholotsho, Zimbabwe. Thanks to you, more than 30,000 working donkeys can now receive the treatment and care they need to keep going. Read more on page eight.
Emergencies also demand swift action. When severe drought struck Turkana, Kenya, your generosity allowed us to provide feed and water to starving donkeys and camels. Without your support, many would not have survived.
Meanwhile, in Mauritania, Fyaz, a gentle donkey on the brink of blindness, received quick treatment that saved his sight. See page six for his story.
Prevention is another key focus. In Mali, our team is treating harness wounds and protecting animals from tetanus in the capital’s rubbish dumps. Turn to page four to see how your support is stopping pain before it begins.
Your generosity also helps animals facing serious conditions. On page 10, learn how respiratory illness is affecting working animals and how your support is easing their suffering.
Everything SPANA achieves begins with you. Your support not only brings relief to those in need but also transforms futures. On behalf of every animal helped last year, thank you.
But our work is far from over. There are still so many working animals in urgent need of care and treatment. If you can, please make a gift today to help save even more lives.
Thank you so much.
With warmest wishes,
Linda Edwards
Chief Executive
