Egypt’s ancient wonders attract travelers from around the world. But beyond the temples and pyramids, a quieter story unfolds. Ker & Downey’s Travel Designer, Nicole Porto, has visited Egypt several times and has always been moved by the harsh conditions faced by working animals across the country. Her experience highlights a growing need for responsible tourism. Supporting that effort is Brooke Egypt, an organization working to improve the lives of 1.7 million donkeys, horses, and mules—and the communities that depend on them. 

Equines in Eygpt

Drawn by Egypt’s rich history and vibrant culture, travelers embark on unforgettable journeys—among them, Porto, who keeps returning year after year.  

“I was in love with North Africa from the moment I stepped foot on the continent, but the more I traveled throughout the region, I started noticing the condition of the animals I was seeing everywhere—along the side of the road, in busy cities, at tourist attractions like the Temple of Edfu, or around the pyramids at Giza, often with little rest or proper care.”

Working for Animals

Brooke Egypt’s mission is to improve animal welfare for the approximately 1.7 million working donkeys, horses, and mules. These animals do a range of work from carrying goods like cement and bricks, working in agricultural lands in punishing heat, and carrying tourists. The owners depend on these hardworking animals for their livelihoods.  

All around the world, millions of people rely on working equines to put food on their tables and send their children to school. However, these animals suffer from malnutrition, disease, and exhaustion due to inadequate resources. The Brooke family of charities, including Brooke Egypt, works to create long-lasting improvements in the lives of both the animals and their owners. By educating the owners on proper animal welfare and providing access to nutrition, clean water, a comfortable environment, and health treatments, both can thrive together. 

One example of their success is in Helwan, northeast of Cairo, where temperatures can soar to 120° Fahrenheit. Here, equines transport bricks to and from the baking ovens. Life is very difficult for both the animals and their owners, with the animals suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, harness injuries, and exhaustion. To ease this burden, Brooke Egypt provides free veterinary care in the brick kilns—offering deworming, vaccinations, and community education in animal welfare. Because of these efforts, the lives of the equines have considerably improved. A covered stable has been built with feeding and water troughs, and the donkeys are now used in turns, ensuring they receive time to rest. 

Community Engagement 

Rural guides, respected local women with strong community ties, play a vital role in spreading animal welfare messages. In regions like Edfu and Aswan, Brooke Hospital for Animals teams work closely with them to reach women in households, who are often responsible for caring for the animals during their rest periods.   

In communities where animals are an integral part of daily life, children often serve as primary caretakers—working in fields, at construction sites, or navigating city streets with donkeys or horse carts. Recognizing their influence, Brooke Hospital for Animals Egypt engages these young caretakers through school visits, practical lessons, and creative activities like writing and drawing competitions to foster compassion and awareness around animal welfare. 

Travel That Gives Back

Raising awareness is essential to supporting Brooke Egypt’s mission. One simple way travelers can help is by choosing not to ride horses, donkeys, or carriages when animal welfare is in question. Additionally, every trip booked to North Africa and the Middle East through Ker & Downey helps fund efforts to improve the lives of working equines.