Soraya the mule’s well-earned retirement

Because of her old age, twenty-year-old Soraya doesn’t work the long hours that she used to, but she still occasionally helps her owner transport goods to market. While Sa’id had been giving his animal plenty of breaks, he had begun to notice that she was getting significantly slower and more listless. When Soraya started developing a build-up of fluid on her chest, Sa’id knew it was time to act and brought his mule straight to the SPANA centre in Marrakech, Morocco.

Upon examination, SPANA vets concluded that the mule was suffering from oedema, a swelling that was likely caused by hot temperatures and a lifetime of work on dusty roads. The only real treatment available is rest and Soraya was immediately admitted to the stable to recover away from the sun and heat.

SPANA vets advised Sa’id that Soraya had reached an age where she could no longer work. Sa’id was saddened to hear that Soraya had become overworked, and agreed to give his mule the retirement she deserves. He was grateful to the SPANA vets for their care and advice and to his mule for her lifetime of labour.