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Salt Cay Welfare Initiative
"Water for Life"
Salt Cay Animal Welfare Iniative
"Water for Life"
Welcome to the Salt Cay Animal Welfare Initiative—an independent, resident-led volunteer project dedicated to protecting the health and wellbeing of our island's feral donkeys. Through daily fresh water distribution, supplemental forage, and health monitoring, we help our local herd survive harsh dry spells while preserving their freedom to roam.
The island is mainly famous for its donkeys, which were brought to the island by Bermudians in the 15th century to haul the salt from the salinas to small boats that would take the salt to waiting ships. Then, they were left to forage on their own until needed during the next salt raking season. Water holes, wells and cisterns with troughs were provided for them so they could survive. When the Salt Industry stopped around 1960 the animals were left behind.
Some of these wells and cisterns still exist today
Our goal is to make these water sources available again for the animals
The mission of our project is to provide all animals on Salt Cay with sufficient water for their health and survival. All water sources need urgent restoration, repair and continuous upkeeping. Without the wells and water holes the animals rely on rainfall collecting in puddles and hollowed out rocks. Even though they are hardy, in times of drought and days without water they will suffer permanent organ damage. The survival rate of foals is below normal, we assume due to the mares not being in sufficient health to provide the newborn with the necessary nutrition to survive.
Please help us to provide the animals with water, including the many cows that were left behind and are still roaming the island as well.
"SaltCayAnimalWelfare.com is an independent volunteer initiative dedicated to providing fresh water, essential feed and basic care for feral donkeys and cows on Salt Cay. This initiative is not a registered NPO; 100 % of all contributions go directly toward the daily care of the animals."
SALT CAY ANIMAL WELFARE INITIATIVE
Salt Cay
Turks & Caicos Islands
saltcayanimalwelfare@gmail.com
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