By Bernard Gitau
Often referred to as the “beast of burden,” donkeys in Kenya and across the globe face an existential threat due to illegal trade for their skins. As their numbers dwindle, the remaining donkeys continue to be overworked, a situation that has raised concerns among animal welfare experts.
For optimal performance and overall well-being, experts are now calling on donkey owners to consider granting the animals a maternity leave of at least three months or more.
Dr. Vincent Oloo, a Senior Animal Health Officer at Brooke East Africa, emphasized the negative effects of overworking donkeys on their reproductive health.
“We are advocating for donkey maternity leave for the entire lactation period, which is around 90 days. This will help the donkey recover and feed her foal without interference,” explained Dr. Oloo.
His statement follows alarming reports from Moyale, where some donkey owners have been accused of feeding their animals with bhang (marijuana) to enhance their performance.
According to Nurr Mahat, Chairperson of the Moyale Donkey Owners’ Welfare Group, certain owners were mixing bhang with donkey feed to force them to work harder and for extended hours.
“They mix the bhang with food, and the donkey overworks without knowing it has consumed marijuana. We condemn this,” said Mahat during a recent vaccination exercise.
Dr. Oloo also called for collective responsibility from all Kenyans to ensure the welfare of donkeys, noting that they are on the brink of extinction.
The donkey population in Kenya has seen a sharp decline, from approximately 1.8 million in 2009 to under 1 million according to the 2019 Census. The slow reproduction rate of donkeys, paired with their overexploitation, poses a significant challenge to their survival.
“Donkeys are slow in reproducing, normally giving birth to one foal every three years. When overworked, there are high chances it will not reproduce,” said Dr. Oloo, adding that underfed donkeys also tend to avoid reproduction.
The gestation period for donkeys ranges from 11 to 14 months, and with slow reproduction rates, their numbers may continue to decline further.
“Unlike cows, we cannot carry out Artificial Insemination for donkeys because their semen preservation requires a temperature of -196 degrees. With such extreme low temperatures, the semen cannot be viable,” explained Dr. Oloo.
Another interesting characteristic of donkeys is their ability to delay giving birth if their environment is unfavorable.
“Donkey gestation is between 11 to 14 months, and they can delay giving birth by up to two months if they feel it is unsafe or the weather is not conducive,” added Dr. Oloo.
As experts continue to push for improved welfare for these hard-working animals, it’s clear that ensuring proper care, including maternity leave, is vital for their survival.
