A heartwarming bond between a donkey and horse in Ethiopia is being celebrated this International Day of Friendship, showing that companionship can sometimes transcend species.
Marked annually on 30 July, International Day of Friendship celebrates the connections that bring individuals and communities together. This year, Working Animals International is sharing the story of Beletu and Donsa, two four-year-old animals who have formed an unexpected friendship.
While donkeys are highly social animals, they typically form their closest bonds with other donkeys. Beletu, however, found companionship in Donsa, a male horse, after arriving at an animal health and welfare centre in Bishoftu, Ethiopia.
The centre is run by the charity’s local partner, Addis Ababa University College of Veterinary Medicine (AAU).
Dr Reta Tesfaye, Working Animals International project lead at AAU, said: “When Beletu first arrived at the centre in 2023, she was shy and hesitant to approach people. Because her new environment and housing were unfamiliar, once she entered her stable, she didn’t want to leave.
“Our team introduced her to Donsa so that she could have some companionship and they’ve been firm friends ever since. They live in adjoining stables, so they can see and interact with each other and during the day they graze together in a nearby field.”
Why companionship matters to donkeys
Donkeys can form strong attachments and may become distressed if separated from a bonded companion.
Rebekah Sullivan, Director of Global Animal Health & Welfare at Working Animals International, said: “Companionship is incredibly important to donkeys, and they can become very distressed if they’re separated from a bonded companion.
“While it’s less common for donkeys to form these close bonds with horses, it’s wonderful to see the special friendship Beletu and Donsa have developed.”
Ethiopia has the largest population of working equines in Africa and one of the largest in the world. Horses, donkeys and mules play an essential role in daily life, helping to transport food and water, support livelihoods and enable some children to travel to school.
Working Animals International has worked alongside AAU since 2003. In 2025, the team supported more than 12,000 animals in Bishoftu and over 212,000 across Ethiopia.
Beletu and Donsa’s unusual bond offers a touching reminder that the need for friendship and companionship is shared by animals too.
For more information on Working Animals International visit their website.
