31/07/2026
Some memories never leave you. This is one of mine.
A defining moment that reaffirmed my life's calling: to protect Africa's persecuted donkeys.
Some years ago, during the height of the COVID pandemic, I joined Network for Animals on an undercover investigation inside what was then Tanzania's largest donkey slaughterhouse.
What I witnessed that day will stay with me for the rest of my life.
The slaughterhouse was officially licensed to slaughter just 20 donkeys per day. Yet our investigation indicated that as many as 200 donkeys were being slaughtered daily, driven by the relentless demand for donkey skins.
Standing inside that facility, looking into the eyes of terrified donkeys as they waited for their turn, was one of the most heartbreaking experiences I have ever endured. It wasn't simply the scale of the slaughter that was so confronting - it was the realisation that each of these gentle, intelligent animals was suffering for a trade fuelled by demand on the other side of the world.
What affected me most, however, was discovering that the vast majority of the mares being slaughtered appeared to be heavily pregnant. With every mare lost, an unborn foal was lost too. It was a devastating reminder that the true cost of the donkey skin trade extends far beyond the individual animal standing before you.
That experience changed me forever.
It strengthened my resolve that donkeys deserved a voice, and it reinforced my commitment to dedicate my life to protecting them.
Following our investigation, I had the privilege of presenting our findings to the Tanzanian Government in Dodoma. I am incredibly proud that our work contributed to the growing body of evidence that ultimately helped pave the way for one of the greatest victories for donkeys in history - the African Union’s landmark decision to adopt a 15-year moratorium on the commercial slaughter of donkeys across the continent.
Sadly, the fight is far from over.
Despite the African Union's historic stance, South Africa continues to permit the legal commercial slaughter of up to 10,500 donkeys every year. Until that changes, our work is not done.
Today, that journey continues through the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary, which has grown to become Africa's only GFAS-accredited equine sanctuary, providing lifelong refuge to rescued donkeys and other vulnerable animals while advocating tirelessly for stronger protection for donkeys across Africa.
I am sharing this footage not to sensationalise suffering, but because I believe people deserve to see the reality behind the donkey skin trade - and to understand why this cause has become my life's mission.
But I cannot do this alone.
If this story moves you, I ask you to stand with us.
If you feel able to do so, please watch the investigation, share it with your family and friends, help us raise awareness, and, if you are in a position to do so, please consider supporting the work of the Karoo Donkey Sanctuary. Every rescue, every veterinary intervention, every advocacy campaign, and every life we save is only possible because compassionate people choose to stand beside us.
Together, we can expose cruelty, protect vulnerable donkeys, and work towards a future where no donkey suffers for the donkey skin trade.
Thank you for believing that every donkey matters.
⚠️ Please note: The footage contains graphic scenes of animal suffering that some viewers may find deeply distressing. I have chosen to share it because I believe the reality of the donkey skin trade must be seen if we are ever to bring it to an end.
🎥 Watch the full undercover investigation here:
https://youtu.be/IAMAXOUl6Io?si=8g5Ttp-zxpgDyzZ3
Please share this post. Together, we can give donkeys a voice - and together, we can help bring an end to the donkey skin trade once and for all.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps us rescue donkeys, provide lifelong sanctuary, expose cruelty, advocate for lasting legislative change, and continue working towards a future where no donkey suffers for the donkey skin trade.
Together, we can ensure that the memories I carry from that slaughterhouse become part of history - not Africa's future. Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS)
