Dehydration Crisis: Donkeys in Petra Endure Unimaginable Hardship

Visitors to Petra, Jordan's famous desert city, frequently experience the hard realities of working animals. Donkeys, famed for their gentle disposition, are forced to convey tourists up 900 crumbling stone stairs to the iconic monastery while facing intense heat and thirst. The authorities have left the one water trough, which is vital to their survival, dry.

In response to this critical circumstance, a PETA-supported veterinarian facility stepped in. They promptly hired a water tanker to fill the trough, offering temporary respite. These donkeys were without water for two agonizing weeks, with temperatures climbing beyond 100 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in extreme dehydration, excruciating colic, and potentially fatal heat stroke. The government must act quickly to save more misery.

Some handlers have been forced to take their thirsty donkeys to a distant water source on the road to Petra. This location, however, is infested with leeches, which can enter the animals' mouths, causing not only discomfort but also respiratory problems.

Despite numerous appeals and an official letter from PETA, the authorities have yet to address the issue. Meanwhile, the veterinary clinic staff continue to provide whatever help they can, ensuring the donkeys have access to clean water.

How You Can Help

Tourists should avoid activities that exploit animals and support travel companies that refuse to include such cruel attractions. Donkeys, camels, horses, and other working animals deserve humane treatment and compassion. Without significant changes, these urgent crises will continue.

The PETA-supported veterinary clinic in Petra is a crucial lifeline for these suffering animals. Donations to the Global Compassion Fund are essential to sustain this and other vital efforts, providing relief to animals in desperate need.