Climate crisis makes life tougher than ever for Naisiae the donkey

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.

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.