This World Animal Day (4 October 2024), we’re shining a light on working animals who are suffering due to the climate crisis – animals like Naisiae the donkey, whose community in southern Kenya has been ravaged by devastating flooding.
Naisiae (‘meaning hardworking’) is an 18-year-old donkey from Magadi, in southern Kenya. Naisiae helps carry heavy loads of water and firewood long distances, so that her owner, Pore, can care for her young family.
Naisiae’s pastoral community has been struggling to get back on its feet since unprecedented flooding and heavy rainfall ravaged Kenya earlier this year. According to the National Disaster Operations Centre, around 281,835 people were displaced by the floods, an estimated 267 people were killed, and at least 9,973 livestock were lost. Shelters were destroyed and grazing land was submerged, leaving thousands of donkeys exposed to extreme conditions and deadly diseases.
In Magadi, families like Pore’s rely on their donkeys for daily tasks and to help carry their possessions as they move around the country in search of new pastureland for their livestock. So, Pore was extremely concerned when she noticed that Naisiae was unwell. The donkey was weak, not eating and suffering from diarrhoea.
Pore took Naisiae along to a SPANA mobile vaccination clinic, which is run in partnership with the African Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW). In response to the devastating floods, SPANA has been working with ANAW to deliver lifesaving veterinary care and vaccinations to affected working animals.
At the clinic, the vets gave Naisiae a full health check. They diagnosed dehydration, malnutrition and diarrhoea as a result of the tough conditions since the floods. They treated Naisiae with supportive therapy, including a multi-vitamin injection, to help her get her strength back and advised Pore to take Naisiae to her local veterinarian for further treatment. They also ensured her vaccinations were up to date. The vets gave Pore lots of tips on looking after Naisiae, including making sure she was able to rest fully after work in a cool area out of the sun, and advised that Naisiae should have plenty of clean water to drink. Finally, the vets gave Pore advice on how to protect herself and her animals from the impact of climate change-related events, such as flooding.
Pore said: ‘I am very grateful for SPANA’s assistance. I would like this relationship to continue.’
Sadly, the climate crisis is causing much more suffering than flooding alone. Climate change is a significant issue and a fundamental threat to animals, people and the environment. Across the globe, extreme climate-related events are having a devastating impact on working animals. These extreme events are increasing in frequency, intensity and scale. With your kindness, SPANA will be able to act swiftly when an emergency strikes and can ensure that communities at the greatest risk are prepared. Thank you for your support.
