Fidele’s story
Fidele is a donkey who works on the rubbish dumps of Bamako, Mali. Day after day, he pulls a cart of waste alongside his owner Adama, just 20 years old, working under a blazing sun with temperatures regularly above 40C, sending every penny he earns home to support his family.
When Adama brought Fidele to our mobile clinic, he was malnourished, suffering from scabies, in pain from infected wounds. But he kept going.
Our mobile clinic travels to the edge of the city every week, because owners like Adama have nowhere else to turn when their animals are sick or injured. With your support, Adama could get Fidele the treatment he needed to keep going.
Thanks to your support, we were able to treat Fidele’s scabies, provide antibiotics for his infection and give him dental care so he could eat without pain and regain a healthy weight. Adama now knows how to prevent future wounds and malnutrition.
Will you help us reach more animals like Fidele today?
Why the marigold?
Marigolds are a symbol of love and commitment around the world. In India, you’ll often see marigold garlands draped across horses during weddings and religious ceremonies, working animals included in the most important moments of their owners’ lives.
Our hope is that the marigold becomes a symbol of solidarity too. That we believe the lives of working animals have value. That they deserve respect and practical care.
Our new name
As of 22 April, we are Working Animals International.
Our new name and logo clearly communicate our purpose and commitment to improve the welfare and lives of working animals worldwide. This change has been carried out carefully and cost effectively so it’s easier for the world to find us and know what we do.
We’re still the same organisation you’ve supported with such loyalty. Our 100-year history will never be left behind, it’s the very foundation on which our new name stands. We’re simply making our mission easier to understand, recognise and support.
You may be wondering what this means for your kind donations. The short answer is: nothing will change. Any donation directed to SPANA or Working Animals International will still reach us and be spent, as always, on transforming the lives of working animals.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can visit our website, email us at hello@workinganimals.org or call our friendly Supporter Engagement team on (0)20 7831 3999 and read our FAQs here.
Thank you
Your generous donations will fund projects like those in this appeal and provide help where animals need it most. We would be so grateful for whatever you can give to this vital appeal. Thank you.
