Hero donkeys help wildfire communities as vets treat 80 animals

Hero donkeys and mules have been helping remote communities survive devastating wildfires in Colombia by carrying vital supplies into areas inaccessible to vehicles.

The working animals transported water, food and medical supplies as fires swept through parts of Tolima, making them an essential part of the emergency response.

But many suffered injuries and illness while supporting fire-hit families, including dehydration, pneumonia, breathing problems, eye damage, skin lesions and painful back wounds.

The Donkey Sanctuary has now helped fund essential medicines and supplies for a 12-strong veterinary team from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, known as UNAL.

Vets have treated 80 donkeys, mules and horses, as well as cattle, opossums, turtles and other animals in some of the worst-affected rural communities.

The team has been working in areas including Contreras, Tomogó Alto, Tomogó Bajo and La Flor.

Dr Erika González Niño, from UNAL’s Large Animal Clinic, said: “Many of these animals were used to transport water and food to the areas where the fires occurred, becoming a fundamental part of the communities’ efforts to face this emergency.”

Support from The Donkey Sanctuary and other organisations has enabled vets to administer intravenous fluids, antibiotics and eye medication.

Animals have also received clinical examinations, parasite treatments and vitamin supplements, while veterinary teams continue to monitor those exposed to intense smoke and heat.

Experts warn serious health problems may emerge even when animals do not have immediately visible burns.

Vets have also advised owners on correctly fitting saddles to prevent wounds and injuries in the future.

The Donkey Sanctuary became involved after being approached by Dr Claudia Valderrama, who previously completed an internship at the University of California, Davis.

The university belongs to the charity’s Global Equid Knowledge Exchange network, an international initiative bringing together universities, researchers and animal health professionals to improve equine care around the world.

The charity also connected Dr Valderrama with Fundación Arrieros, a Colombian organisation supported by World Horse Welfare, to strengthen coordination on the ground.

Dr Eduardo Santurtun, The Donkey Sanctuary’s regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, said the emergency demonstrated why working animals must be included in disaster planning.

He said: “This response highlights the often overlooked but vital role working equids play in supporting communities across the region.

“Emergencies such as this show that donkeys and mules are not only affected by disasters; they are also essential to the response, helping people access aid, transport vital supplies and begin rebuilding.

“That is why they must be included in national disaster preparedness and response plans, both to protect their welfare and to ensure they can continue providing support when they are needed most.”

The danger has not ended with the immediate veterinary response.

Wildfires have damaged grazing land and crops, leaving communities facing serious concerns about animal feed, livelihoods and access to continuing veterinary treatment.

The Donkey Sanctuary said it would keep working alongside Colombian experts and partner organisations to protect animals in the areas of greatest need.

Dr Valderrama said the charity’s support had enabled UNAL to bring high-quality veterinary treatment to vulnerable rural communities and improve the health of the animals upon which local people depend.