We need your help to open our centre for vulnerable working animals in Zimbabwe
Working animals in Tsholotsho, Zimbabwe, are suffering. The worst drought in decades has left the land barren, and these animals, vital to the survival of their communities, are malnourished, exhausted and often face untreated injuries. Without access to basic veterinary treatment, their conditions worsen each day.
You have the power to change this.
Each month, SPANA’s mobile clinic travels 400 miles from Zimbabwe’s capital, Harare, to provide essential veterinary care to Tsholotsho’s working animals. However, this is not enough to meet the needs of one of the largest populations of working animals in the country. That’s why SPANA is planning to open a permanent animal health and welfare centre in the region.
With you help we can offer continuous, round-the-clock care—providing medical attention, shelter and recovery time for animals who need treatment. Together, our mobile clinics and this new centre will ensure no animal in Tsholotsho is left without the care they desperately need.
Your donation could help provide the medicines, food, and medical supplies needed to help these animals recover. For example:
- $40 could supply a week’s worth of feed for a malnourished animal.
- $89 could stock the new centre with essential medical equipment and medicines.
- $158 could provide stabling and care for an animal in need of a safe place to recover.
Will you help us provide these animals with the chance they deserve for a healthier life? Please donate now and be part of opening this vital centre for Zimbabwe’s working animals.
Together, we can make sure that no animal in Tsholotsho has to suffer. Thank you so much.
Thoko’s story
Thoko is a 14-year-old donkey who has worked tirelessly for years in the harsh conditions of Tsholotsho, Zimbabwe. Every day, she carries heavy loads for her owner, Simon, helping to support the family. But the worst drought in decades left the land barren, and soon even the strongest animals began to struggle.
One day, after years of hard labour, Thoko’s body gave out. She collapsed from exhaustion, too weak to stand, unable to continue helping Simon as she always had. Simon, desperate to save her, brought Thoko to a SPANA mobile clinic, hoping our team could provide the care she needed.
Upon examination, Thoko was diagnosed with severe malnutrition and internal parasites, conditions that had drained her strength. The SPANA team immediately began lifesaving treatment, but Thoko’s recovery wasn’t quick. She needed constant care and a place to rest and recover fully.
This is why we need a permanent centre. Without access to a vet, Thoko’s condition could have worsened. She might never have regained her strength, and the severe malnutrition could have led to irreversible damage. She could have also died from complications like dehydration or infections, which are common in animals facing such extreme conditions.
Unfortunately, without a local veterinary centre, Thoko had to return home before she was fully recovered. Her survival depended on Simon following SPANA vet instructions.
If it weren’t for your support, animals like Thoko may never have received the chance to heal. This is why we need a permanent centre.
Thoko’s story is not unique.
Thousands of animals like her are struggling in Tsholotsho, facing malnutrition, exhaustion, and injuries, without the chance to recover fully. A permanent animal welfare centre is urgently needed to provide the continuous, round-the-clock care that Thoko, and countless other animals, require to heal and thrive.
With your support, we can give animals like Thoko the care they need.
Please, will you help us open this centre and save the lives of animals like Thoko?
Thank you
Your generous donations will be used for projects such as those featured in this appeal and where they are required the most to help animals in need. We would be so grateful for whatever you can give to this vital appeal. Thank you.
To speak to our friendly supporter care team please visit our contact us page and get in touch.