Zambezi Working Donkey Project

🎊 It's official, our Visitor Centre is OPEN! 🎉

It's been a dream waiting to happen and we couldn't be more excited to finally welcome you! Tours of our farm & donkey sanctuary are now available! Available for all ages!

If you're interested in coming for a tour send us a message, comment, or contact us on whatsapp: +260 97846130

For years, ox yolks have been used on donkeys across our communities. But ox yolks were built for oxen. On a donkey they sit wrong, weigh too much, and grind down on their necks and backs with every step.

When ZWDP started, we consulted experts from around the world on how to build a harnesses designed around the donkey anatomy, allowing them to pull through their chest and withers the way they naturally do.

Our harnesses are made from up cycled materials. Rubber from used conveyor belts, reclaimed mattress padding, second-hand cargo steps. Simple, sustainable, and life changing design.

But our work doesn’t stop at distribution. For every cart we supply, it gets marked with a number so when we cross paths with the owners out in the community we can check in, see how the harness is holding up and make sure its being properly maintained.

We are so grateful for Animal Aid Abroad for their generous support of this program, together we are making sure the donkeys that our communities are supported.

Meet Lucky. 🫏 A year ago, Lucky was found alone on the side of a highway, injured, in pain, and unable to move after being struck by a vehicle that never stopped.

For three weeks before we found her, a kind stranger kept her alive. Every single day he brought her water, kept her comfortable, and made sure she was never alone. A kind passer-by called us to report the donkey and stayed with her until our team arrived.

What we found broke our hearts. Lucky had suffered a fractured pelvis and a severe wound where broken bone had torn through muscle and skin. She was in agony and desperately needed help.

Our rescue team got straight to work. She received pain relief and wound care on site before being brought to our rehabilitation centre for a full medical assessment. Surgical intervention was needed to remove the bone fragments, and four weeks later the wound had completely healed. That is the kind of fighter Lucky is.

Today, Lucky is growing stronger every single day. She is curious, she is happy, and she loves nothing more than staying close to the paddocks and watching the world go by. She came to us with nothing, and now she has everything. Lucky is available for adoption through our website and she would love for you to be part of her story. 🔗 Link in bio.

In April our team ran 5 mobile clinics in Libuyu compound. 66 donkeys seen and supported in one location!

Libuyu is a hub where donkey owners gather to sell their goods, making it one of the most impactful places we can be. We go to the community, meet owners where they are, and make sure every working animal gets the care and attention it deserves.

A huge well done to our incredible team and thank you to Animal Aid Abroad for making this work possible. 🫏

We’re delighted to have been featured by Africa’s Eden in celebration of World Donkey Day. 🫏

They interviewed us to learn more about our work and the importance of donkeys in our communities. You can read the full article here: https://africaseden.travel/2026/05/07/the-untamed-chronicles-the-donkey-doctors-of-the-zambezi/

Thank you Africa's Eden for helping share our story and shine a light on the donkeys we care for every day

The Donkey Doctors of the Zambezi The Zambezi Working Donkey Project is a tiny team tackling a big problem: saving these important creatures through education and veterinary care, writes Lorraine Kearney.

Today is World Donkey Day!🎉🎉

We are reminded of the incredible journey we have shared over the years, including the hard work, the dedicated people, and the donkeys who inspire everything we do.

We are deeply grateful to our partners, Worldwide Veterinary Service - WVS and Animal Aid Abroad, whose continued support plays an important role in strengthening and expanding our programmes.

We are proud of what we have been able to achieve so far. We are reaching more donkeys each day and providing the care and support they need through our rescues, mobile clinics, and outreach work each week.

This year we are expanding further to reach more communities and new areas, and we are excited about what lies ahead. Please stay tuned for some exciting updates.

Happy World Donkey Day from all of us!

🌿 Two incredible outdoor experiences, right here in our backyard 🫏

We’re kicking off our raffle prize reveals with something special… A beautiful horse riding experience with Chundukwa River Lodge, Victoria Falls , and a game drive with African Safari Experience both offering unforgettable ways to explore the wild. Every ticket helps support the donkeys in our community 💛

🎟️ K150 (1) | K300 (3)
⏳ Ticket sales close Thursday, 7 May at 18:00

Send us a message to get yours!