What we found — and why your gift matters

Nothing could have prepared our team for the Mgusu mine.

Donkeys stood motionless in the scorching heat — thin, scarred, and exhausted. They carried heavy sacks of stone down steep slopes with no harnesses, no shade, no rest, and often no water. They worked until the sun made it impossible to continue.

Among them was Mateke: tan, thin, and bearing a painful lesion. Our medical team found clear evidence of neglect. In our initial evaluation, 88% of donkeys showed lesions or lameness, and 98% of owners had never received any animal welfare education.

“When the donkeys are healthy, you work without worry. But when they’re sick, you feel it in your heart... Now he’s sick... where will I get money? How will I afford my necessities?”
— Robert, mine worker and donkey carer

The truth is brutal: for every ounce of gold, donkeys haul countless tons of rubble under inhumane conditions so families can earn a few dollars a day. Children as young as 12 work beside them. Those who can’t afford a donkey must carry the loads themselves.

A window for change — and why we must act now

Animal charities have not had access to private mines like Mgusu before. We now have permission to begin lifesaving work at seven mines. With your immediate support, we can:

• Provide emergency veterinary care (treat lesions, lameness, injuries)

• Deliver humane handling and first-aid training to mine workers and owners

• Distribute first-aid kits and proper harnesses

• Create safe shelters, clean water points, and routine care systems

These interventions save animals — and protect the livelihoods of the people who depend on them. Education is already taking root: miners are attending training and discussing simple laws like mandatory water and feeding breaks during the workday. Small rules are changing lives.

“We lack education about these working animals. We need Brooke East Africa’s help to teach us. Now I serve them food and water... we’ve become friends.”
— Amos, mine worker and donkey handler

This is an emergency that can lead to long-term change — but only if we move now.

Give today — your gift saves lives

Your donation will be used immediately to treat animals, train handlers, and build lasting protections across seven mines.

We’re ready to start in seven mines today — but we can’t do it without you.

This is both a tremendous challenge and an extraordinary opportunity. That opportunity starts with you.

Please make your best gift now. Donate to Brooke USA and stand with Mateke, Robert, Amos, and thousands of working animals and people in Tanzania.