Shelter for 100+ donkeys and vet care for 1: Starting Over Sanctuary-Israel

Animal-Kind International
6 hours ago
3 min read

With our grant to Starting Over Sanctuary (the 2nd time SoS has been an AKI grantee), more than 100 donkeys (and horses too) now have a sturdy shed to enjoy on windy winter days and during hot summer months.

Thanks to AKI supporters who wanted to provide even more help to SoS, we topped up their grant and designated the additional funds for vet care.

Because they had outgrown the space initially allotted, the farm where the sanctuary resides had given SoS ~2.5 additional acres. SoS had rescued so many donkeys and horses (currently 800 donkeys and 100 horses live at the sanctuary) in the past few years during which transport of rescued donkeys to new homes or shelters outside of Israel had entirely stopped, and when re-started, was at a much slower pace.

SoS kicked off the grant project during the second week of November, when they began preparing the new section for donkeys. Part of the work involved contracting professionals to construct two sheds, one of which was AKI-funded.

Metal frames of a structure under construction on dirt ground with scattered poles and tire tracks on a sunny day with a blue sky in Israel. — AKI-funded shed being constructed

Outdoor farm setting with an open arch tent on grassy ground, blue sky, and clouds in Israel. — Shed is almost completed and ready for donkeys

The shed was completed in December. It's very sturdy and expected to last for many years benefiting 100s of rescued horses and donkeys.

Donkeys eating hay in a sheltered pen with a rural field in the background in Israel. — Shed is completed and the donkeys are enjoying their new home!

Sign thanking Animal-Kind International for shed support with donkeys eating hay in the background in Israel. — A sturdy, safe home for rescued donkeys, and for horses, when needed

If you subscribe to the SoS newsletter, you may have seen this very alarming information they sent out on January 13: "The extreme and stormy weather that hit us in the open fields where we are located showed us no mercy. Winds of unprecedented strength and relentless rains simply overwhelmed the sanctuary. Strong sheds, which had stood bravely for six winters and served as the home and refuge for our animals, collapsed and crumbled before our eyes, one after another."

Although we were happy to hear that "our" sheds (constructed with the 2024 and 2025 grants) weren't destroyed, we were saddened to see the destruction at this beautiful sanctuary.

In January, SoS used the top-up grant we sent, donated by our supporters who wanted to continue helping SoS, for Hanukah's vet care. SoS told us Hanukah's story:

"At the end of December, we rescued a donkey that was in very serious condition. He was tied with a rope, with serious injuries to his chest and one of his legs. We named this donkey Hanukah. Throughout January, we fought to save his leg, but unfortunately without success. We tried to cast the leg, immobilize it, but in the end we had to amputate the hoof. Today we took measurements in the hope of fitting him with a prosthesis that would allow him to walk and run again. Animal-Kind International's support was used for essential medical funding for the intensive treatment and rehabilitation of Hanukah. This investment covered life-saving procedures and ongoing veterinary care, ensuring his recovery."

Person examining donkey's leg with a gloved hand holding the hoof and the donkey standing on paved ground in Israel. — Hanukah's hoof was amputated

Donkey with bandaged leg and purple halter stands in stable with wooden walls in Israel. — Hanukah with a temporary prosthesis

Hanukah is able to walk and function like a happy donkey with his temporary prosthesis, but SoS hopes to make a suitable permanent prosthesis for him.

Person in a red sweater stands in a stable beside a donkey with a bandaged leg, holding its lead in Israel. — Keshet from the vet team, and Hanukah

The SOS newsletter of January 4, 2026 had this nice article about the AKI grant:

A big thank you to our partners along the way

We believe that every donkey deserves a life of dignity, health, and comfort. Today, we want to share a special tribute to an organization that helps us make this possible: Animal-Kind International (AKI).

For the past two years, AKI has been a true partner in our mission.

The grants we received from AKI allowed us to provide urgent medical treatments to donkeys in desperate need, giving them a second chance at life.

Through their grants, we have successfully built two spacious new sheds....These structures ensure our donkeys stay dry and warm during the winter and shaded during the hot summer months.

AKI has stood by us throughout the last 2 years. Their support and solidarity during these challenging times have given us the strength to keep going.

We are proud to hang this plaque of appreciation on our newest shed. It serves as a daily reminder of the compassion and kindness of our friends at AKI, who care deeply for these animals from across the globe.

Thank you, Animal Kind International, for helping us give these beautiful souls a chance to start over.