Free clinic for donkeys vital for Ethiopia

AT A clinic in Ethiopia's capital, a donkey is complaining as a vet tries to trim his nails.

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Ethiopia is thought to have the most donkeys in the world one in five of the global total according to the United Nations - and they form a vital part of the economy.

So the Donkey Sanctuary, run by a British charity that operates around the world, has its work cut out at its free clinic near Merkato, Addis Ababa’s vast open-air market.

On a recent, several dozen donkeys were gathered in pens, some agitated and kicking their feet, while others eagerly pounced on food.

Caregivers and veterinarians were taking turns treating injuries, colic and eye problems. Guluma Bayi, 38, walked more than an hour and a half with his two donkeys to reach the clinic. “It has been three weeks since my donkeys became sick,’ he said. “One has a leg problem and the other has a stomach issue.”

Like the others making the trip, Guluma relies heavily on his donkeys to make a living. He uses them to transport jerrycans of water to sell to his fellow villagers.