It may have only just begun, but so far, 2026 has not brought new hope for the beleaguered animals of Zimbabwe.
In 2024 and 2025, the Southern African country suffered its worst drought in 40 years, driven originally by a climate pattern that disrupts normal weather patterns called El Niño.
As water dried up and animals suffered and died, we – together with our partners and supporters like you, Friend – raced to provide relief. Together, we helped save so many lives.
Even though the country has received some rain, experts predict El Niño is heading back and deadly drought looms again. This time, we MUST be prepared. We CANNOT allow more animal deaths.
The devastating effects of drought in Zimbabwe. Credit: iStock
With your help, we will keep animals fed and watered when the next drought hits.
Water supply in Zimbabwe is unpredictable, even when the country does have rainfall. We must protect the animals before the next drought strikes.
Last year, with the support of animal lovers like you, we funded a solar-powered borehole to pump water into a 92,460-gallon (350,000 liter) dam for the animals at our partner sanctuary, Matabeleland Animal Rescue and Equine Sanctuary (MARES). It was a lifesaver. So many animals have been saved because of it.
To fully drought-proof the project, we need to install a solar-powered irrigation system to irrigate the sanctuary’s newly-seeded land – land that will then flourish and grow food for animals, even when deadly drought hits.
(Left) Before the first solar pump was installed at MARES. (Right) With regular watering, parts of the grounds have returned to a lush green, providing food for hundreds of donkeys. Credit: MARES
Mother donkeys need water and food to produce milk for their foals. Credit: ASI/Halden Krog
This food will help elderly, disabled and blind donkeys rescued from horrendous cruelty in Zimbabwe.
Please help us raise $5,000 (£3,720) to keep animals watered, fed and alive when the next deadly drought hits Zimbabwe.
Like elephants in Asia, donkeys in Africa are bitterly overworked, forced to bear heavy loads, and systematically beaten into submission. They live terrible lives of hardship, pain and torture, and it is only once they are saved by our partner that they ever know human kindness.
Severe drought in Zimbabwe is pushing elephants to the brink, drying up water sources, reducing food, and forcing herds to travel farther to ensure herd survival. Credit: Tessa Arkwright
After so much suffering, we cannot let them starve to death or die of dehydration as temperatures soar and waterholes dry up. Today – right now — you have the power to help save their lives.
