Within just a few days of the devastating earthquake that struck near the town of Oukaïmedene in western Morocco on September 8, 2023, the Board of Directors of Brooke USA Foundation approved an emergency campaign to aid working equines in need. The campaign launched on September 12, less than a week after the news was received.

Brooke USA immediately recognized that providing treatment, feed, and water to working animals was pivotal. Thousands of animals were displaced, many were injured, and others were assigned to rescue efforts by transporting much-needed supplies to the most affected communities. With many isolated mountain roads destroyed or blocked by debris, working horses, donkeys and mules were essential to the early rescue efforts. These invisible heroes brought water and food to those affected by the disaster, living in isolated communities.

Thanks to the support of Brooke USA’s donors and friends, $17,000 was raised, all of which has already been granted to SPANA, a global working animal charity that works across Morocco and is committed to supporting the country’s working animals. Seventy-five donors raised the core $12,000 while the remaining $5,000 was donated through the screening of the movie EO in Southern Pines, NC where approximately 100 people were in attendance. 96% of all the gifts were less than $1,000.

“Brooke USA has always risen to the occasion to help equines and their families during disasters. We know that short-term recovery happens within the first few days and weeks after an emergency and focuses on addressing the immediate needs of the community.” explained Emily Dulin, CEO of Brooke USA.  “We seek partners, like SPANA, who have a stellar reputation and who will be there helping working animals, their owners, and the communities through the long road to recovery,” she added.  

SPANA continues to work in the High Atlas Mountains – the area hardest hit by the devastating earthquake – to provide ongoing veterinary treatment to injured and abandoned animals. “I was touched to learn about a donkey in Imi Nissli, who had been left trapped and fighting for his life after the earthquake. This donkey was safely retrieved from the wreckage, treated on the spot, and brought to safety. I’ve been told that the donkey made a full recovery from his ordeal,” mentioned Kendall Bierer, Brooke USA’s Donor Relations Officer.

SPANA has already treated thousands of animals suffering from fractures, eye injuries, lameness, and wounds. Unfortunately, the situation remains dire with the availability and access to essential food still a major concern. Early on, SPANA secured 20 tons of feed for the working animals hardest hit by the disaster. Without this intervention, these animals would have starved. “Unfortunately, the need continues but, we are proud to have done what we could to help as essential services are restored to enable communities to begin rebuilding,” stated Dulin.

Restoring livelihoods for the most vulnerable disaster survivors – both human and animal – is at the heart of Brooke USA’s mission. The goal is to provide funds to support disaster recovery efforts which can have devastating effects on working equines as well as humans. The earthquake in Morocco joins other recent disaster efforts for which Brooke USA fundraised. These include the floods in Pakistan, the volcano eruption in Guatemala, the war in Ukraine and even the snowstorms and wildfires in Texas and California respectively.