A fundraiser has been launched to give Bongo the quality of life he deserves as he battles a painful limb deformity.
Roodepoort, South Africa (08 March 2026) – Bongo and another young donkey, Bunny, were rescued by the team at Rest Ur Ass Donkey Sanctuary in December 2024 after the pair tragically lost their mothers in an accident near Bela Bela.
Just two weeks old at the time, the sanctuary took them in with the hope that they might bond with nursing mares and foals. Now two years later, the duo has become part of the family. But Bongo is still struggling to stand comfortably on his own four feet.
The sanctuary first shared last year that Bongo was diagnosed with flexural deformity, a condition that affects tendons in his legs. When tendons are too tight, it causes abnormal positioning of the limbs and hooves. Animals with this condition often struggle to place their heels properly on the ground and may walk on their toes, making movement painful and difficult.
To give Bongo the best chance at a more comfortable life, veterinarians performed multiple surgeries on all four of his legs to correct the contracted tendons. He has also been fitted with specially designed corrective shoes to help support his legs and encourage proper positioning as he heals.
As Bongo received the specialist care he needed, often making a 160km round-trip journey to Onderstepoort to get there, Bunny has never left his side.
The sanctuary recently shared that sadly, the newly-formed bone in Bongo’s right hind leg cracked during healing, which means he now spends most of his time resting in his stable or a small outside camp. Staff keep a fan running to help him stay cool and to keep flies away, while music plays softly to keep him and his favourite companion, Bunny, company.
Because his injured leg needs to remain protected, the sanctuary’s grooms are even carrying Bongo between spaces to prevent him from putting too much weight on it.
Even with these hurdles, there’s hope. The veterinary team monitoring Bongo’s recovery has reportedly been pleased with his progress so far, and the sanctuary has shared some exciting news!
This week, Animotion, an organisation that designs customised orthotic and prosthetic solutions to improve mobility for animals, paid the sanctuary a visit.
“Sometimes you meet someone who you are truly in awe of… and we can genuinely say that was the feeling when we met Werner from Animotion.” shares the sanctuary. “Werner came out this week, to take measurements and make a plaster cast impression, to design a brace for Bongo’s right hind leg.”
The brace will replace Bongo’s cast, and give him improved mobility, comfort and hygiene, while also allowing his carers monitor for concerns like pressure sores.
“We cannot wait to see the final design,” the sanctuary shared “History in the making!”
Through it all, Bunny is still by Bongo’s side.
To help cover Bongo’s hospital bills, which include surgeries, specialised farrier work, and ongoing veterinary care, an online fundraising campaign has been launched. If you’d like to support, follow this link.
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