Mares Donkey Sanctuary

MARES Donkey Sanctuary

To report a donkey in distress in Zimbabwe, call MARES Donkey Sanctuary at +263-712-214-541 or email mareszim2018@gmail.com.

MARES Donkey Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates, and provides a sanctuary for equines that have faced abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The sanctuary provides a safe and nurturing environment for donkeys, addressing their medical, emotional, and social needs.

MARES Donkey Sanctuary is located at 62 Townsend Rd in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

Helping injured donkey
Helping donkeys in rural areas (Photo Courtesy of MARES Donkey Sanctuary)

Key Takeaways

* Runs a sanctuary in Zimbabwe for donkeys and other animals that have faced abuse, neglect, or abandonment.

* Teaches donkey owners about improved donkey care and welfare.

* Designed a humane padded harness that offers unparalleled comfort and protection and supports the donkeys in their essential tasks.

Injured donkey lying with 2 donkeys standing in the background
Helping an injured donkey (Photo Courtesy of MARES Donkey Sanctuary)

MARES Donkey Sanctuary: Compassion in Action

MARES Donkey Sanctuary is an oasis for animals in need, particularly focusing on the nurturing and protection of donkeys and horses. The sanctuary embraces a multifaceted approach to animal welfare, addressing the various needs of equines in their care.

Rescue and Rehabilitation

Rescue forms the core of MARES’ efforts. They rescue equines from distressing situations, whether it be due to overwork, injury, or neglect. Once rescued, these animals are rehabilitated, receiving necessary medical care, nourishment, and emotional support. Moreover, the sanctuary is a place of healing and recovery for animals that have often endured immense suffering.

A hoopoe with a broken wing is having his meal
Rehabilitating a hoopoe with a broken wing (Photo Courtesy of MARES Donkey Sanctuary)

Education and Community Involvement

MARES understands that creating sustainable change requires educating the community. So, they actively engage with the local community, conducting workshops and awareness programs to spread knowledge about equine welfare and responsible ownership. By empowering the community with knowledge, they foster a culture of compassion towards these gentle creatures.

Bringing awareness to donkey welfare
Bringing awareness to donkey welfare in the rural areas of Zimbabwe (Photo Courtesy of MARES Donkey Sanctuary)

Holistic Equine Care

MARES believes in a holistic approach to equine care. This encompasses proper nutrition, healthcare, shelter, and training. They focus on improving the overall quality of life for donkeys and horses, recognizing their invaluable contribution to the lives of many in the region.

Resident animals at MARES Donkey Sanctuary
Resident animals (Photo Courtesy of MARES Donkey Sanctuary)

Pioneering Comfort and Care with Humane Padded Harnesses

At MARES Donkey Sanctuary, the commitment to animal welfare extends to innovative approaches that prioritize the well-being of equines. They have designed humane padded harnesses to revolutionize the way donkeys experience their roles as working partners.

They focus on the correct hitching of carts to donkeys, including weight distribution, maximum weights, and the difference between pulling weight as opposed to direct downward weight. Moreover, the making of humane padded harnesses becomes a community workshop, empowering people to make their own.

These harnesses offer unparalleled comfort and protection and support the donkeys in their essential tasks. Through meticulous design, customization, and strategic padding, these harnesses not only distribute weight evenly but also cushion sensitive areas, reducing friction and discomfort.

A woman putting Humane Padded Harness on a donkey
Humane padded harness (Photo Courtesy of MARES Donkey Sanctuary)

Check out my blog Karoo Donkey Sanctuary!

Be a Part of MARES Donkey Sanctuary

The sanctuary has made a remarkable impact on the lives of countless equines and the community. Furthermore, their efforts extend beyond the sanctuary, inspiring a deeper understanding of the importance of compassion towards animals. There are several ways individuals can support and engage with this noble cause:

Children with a donkey
Children from Christ the King Nursery School visit the sanctuary (Photo Courtesy of MARES Donkey Sanctuary)

Donate

Contributions in the form of monetary donations play a vital role in sustaining the operations and initiatives of the sanctuary. By donating, you directly support the rescue, rehabilitation, and care of donkeys and other equines, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment and attention.

MARES greatly appreciates donations of supplies such as feed, bedding, grooming tools, and medical supplies for the equines. These supplies are essential in ensuring the comfort and health of the animals under their care.

School kids with a donkey at MARES Donkey Sanctuary
Little Stars Play School visit the sanctuary (Photo Courtesy of MARES Donkey Sanctuary)

Sponsor a Donkey

Consider sponsoring a donkey at MARES. Your sponsorship will cover the essential expenses required for the care and well-being of a donkey, providing them with the necessary nourishment, medical attention, and a comfortable living environment.

Donkey chilling at MARES Donkey Sanctuary
Chilling at the sanctuary (Photo Courtesy of MARES Donkey Sanctuary)

Volunteer Your Time

If you have the time and passion for equine welfare, consider becoming a volunteer at MARES Donkey Sanctuary. Moreover, your dedication and support on-site can make a significant impact on the daily operations and contribute to the well-being of the animals.

Volunteers at MARES Donkey Sanctuary
Volunteers at the sanctuary (Photo Courtesy of MARES Donkey Sanctuary)

Spread Awareness

Help spread the word about MARES Donkey Sanctuary and their mission. Share their stories and initiatives on social media, blogs, or within your community. Moreover, the more people know about their work, the more support they can gather for the cause.

Rescued baby barn owl
Meet Popeye, a rescued baby barn owl (Photo Courtesy of MARES Donkey Sanctuary)

Follow MARES Donkey Sanctuary on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mareszimbabwe/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mareszim/

$ Donate: https://www.paynow.co.zw/Payment/Link/?q=c2VhcmNoPWRlamF2dSU0MHpvbC5jby56dyZhbW91bnQ9MC4wMCZyZWZlcmVuY2U9Jmw9MA%3D%3D

Donkeys with volunteers at MARES Donkey Sanctuary
Peta Anne Davies and volunteers (Photo Courtesy of MARES Donkey Sanctuary)

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