Donkey Sanctuary Highlights Lamu’s Unsung Heroes During Cultural Celebration

This year, The Donkey Sanctuary is honored to be part of the Lamu Cultural Festival, a celebration of the hardworking donkeys that have played an essential role in shaping the county’s history, economy, and resilience.

The festival, which runs from November 29 to December 1, 2024, showcases Lamu’s rich Swahili heritage with a range of activities, including dhow races, traditional Swahili cuisine, bao games, henna painting, cultural performances, and craft exhibitions. Amidst these vibrant celebrations, one unsung hero takes center stage: the donkey.

In recognition of the important role donkeys play in Lamu’s community, The Donkey Sanctuary is hosting a series of music and drama performances under the theme: “Celebrating Our Donkeys Is Celebrating Our Culture.” These performances aim to shine a spotlight on the vital contributions donkeys make to daily life in Lamu, while advocating for their welfare. As the saying goes, “What is Lamu without its donkeys?”

For generations, donkeys have been at the heart of Lamu’s cultural and economic life, participating in popular events such as the festival’s donkey races. However, their essential role in daily activities is often overlooked. Donkeys are crucial for transporting goods and people, pulling carts loaded with stones for construction on Manda Island, and even delivering water to rural homes. They also provide companionship to many families in Lamu.

Photo Caption: Drama festival and music to create awareness about donkeys.

As Mr. Somo, a proud donkey owner from Mkomani, puts it, “Donkeys built this town, and we live by the donkey.” Mr. Abubakar from Kashmir adds, “Donkeys provide us with our daily needs and give us our heritage.”

For over 35 years, The Donkey Sanctuary has been dedicated to supporting Lamu’s donkeys. Through its free veterinary clinic on Lamu Island, the organization provides essential care to over 3,000 donkeys annually, helping to keep these hardworking animals healthy and strong. The Sanctuary also offers education and advocacy on donkey welfare to ensure their well-being.

As we come together to celebrate Lamu’s cultural richness, let us also honor the donkeys—unsung heroes whose contributions are deeply woven into the fabric of the community. By celebrating our donkeys, we are truly celebrating our culture.