A colt in Gaza who was close to death when he was found wandering the war-torn streets with a serious shrapnel wound is recovering thanks to the work of international charity Safe Haven for Donkeys
The young colt, called Phoenix, later lost a hind hoof after he was stepped on by a buffalo.
Phoenix was found wandering the war-torn streets of Al-Fukhari, a village situated between Khan Yunis and Rafah, by a young man named Ali while he was searching for supplies in the ruins of his own home.
The colt’s right hind foot was severely infected and he was emaciated and dehydrated.
Risking his own safety, Ali decided to take Phoenix to Al-Mawasi, a coastal area where he had set up a temporary shelter for his family.
On arrival in Al-Mawasi, he contacted Dr Saif Alden, the head of veterinary care for Safe Haven for Donkeys in Gaza, and asked for help.
Dr Saif and his team gave Phoenix oral rehydration solutions, antiparasitic medications and antibiotics. They also cleaned and treated the infected wound before bandaging the hoof.
“Even in his darkest moments, Phoenix never gave up,” said Dr Saif. “He fought with every ounce of strength he had.”
Stepped on by a buffalo
Phoenix’s condition began to improve. He gained weight and his hoof started to heal but during his recovery, while grazing near Ali’s tent, he was accidentally stepped on by a buffalo, sloughing off his injured hoof entirely.
“Having received a call from Ali, we were completely shocked. We were wondering what would exactly happen to poor Phoenix,” said Dr Saif.
“We rushed to Phoenix’s side, stopping the bleeding and surgically removing the necrotic tissue. For the next five days, we kept cleaning and bandaging the wound daily.
“Slowly but surely, Phoenix began to heal and eventually his hoof started to regrow.”
A new home
Dr Saif decided to relocate Phoenix to a safer location, a secure farm owned by a friend. The hoof has completely regrown and the young horse is able to walk normally.
“Seeing him healthy and happy is a true reminder of why we do what we do,” said Dr Saif.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to Safe Haven for Donkeys for their unwavering support in helping and saving desperate animals.
“Without their generous help, Gaza’s kingdom of animals would surely be perishing now.”
Founded in 2000 in the UK, Safe Haven for Donkeys operates a sanctuary in Israel and mobile clinics across Gaza, Israel, and Egypt.
The charity is dedicated to improving equine welfare through medical care, education, and sustainable solutions for working animals and their owners.
Main image of Phoenix, pictured as a foal, © Safe Haven For Donkeys.
