Here’s what we achieved for animals around the world over the holidays

By Robert Brown 01/12/2026

The generosity of our global network of supporters lit up the world for animals in December. Across continents, our supporters planted trees, filled bowls and saved lives, creating a season of hope. Stretching from Zimbabwe to Kenya to Ukraine, every donation became a gift that truly mattered. From all of us at NFA, and from the animals whose lives you’ve touched, thank you for standing with us.

Here’s a look at the impact you helped create in the final month of 2025!

AFRICA

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe flag of zimbabwe

Planting thousands of trees for vulnerable donkeys amid drought

On Giving Tuesday, we asked for donations to help us plant fast-growing, nutritious moringa trees for hungry donkeys in Zimbabwe. A  relentless drought had stripped the land of natural food sources, but thanks to the support of our incredible donors, we were able to purchase an astounding 3,000 trees!

Our partner, MARES, cares for the donkeys at its sanctuary and out in rural communities. These ‘miracle’ moringa trees will provide a reliable source of food for the donkeys even when hay and grass disappear. With your help on this global day of generosity, there is hope for Zimbabwe’s most vulnerable donkeys.

Read the original article here.

Moringa trees offer life-saving nutrition for drought-prone Zimbabwe’s donkeys when hay and grass disappear. Thank you for growing hope for the animals. Credit: MARES

Nairobi, Kenya

Giving the gift of food to rescued cats and kittens over the festive season

In previous years,  the festive season saw a rise in donations for our partner, the Nairobi Feline Sanctuary (NFS). Unfortunately, 2025 was very different. With 512 cats in its care and very little funds to spare, NFS reached out to us for help to keep the animals fed and comfortable over the holidays.

Thanks to our supporters’ generosity, we were able to cover a month’s worth of running costs for NFS. Cat and kitten bowls were filled to the brim, much-needed veterinary supplies were provided, and staff at the sanctuary were sure of a salary. Thank you for giving the gift of food, comfort and hope to these cats.

Read the original article here.

Thanks to our supporters, we covered a month’s worth of running costs at NFS – feeding every cat and kitten, supplying veterinary care and supporting staff salaries. Credit: NFA/Byron Seale

EUROPE

Kharkiv, Ukraine ukraine

Funding life-saving animal rescue missions on the frontline of the war

Every month, our partner, Animal Rescue Kharkiv (ARK), rescues up to 600 dogs and cats from shattered frontline villages in Ukraine – areas so dangerous that almost no one else will go. However, as the cost of animal rescue missions continues to skyrocket, the team was faced with the possibility of scaling back operations, leaving countless animals to fend for themselves in active war zones.

Because of our donors, we can provide ongoing support so these life-saving animal rescue missions can continue. Your support ensures the dogs and cats who rely on ARK in their darkest moments are not abandoned. For the last four years, you have stood with the animal victims of the war in Ukraine – thank you.

Read the original article here.

With your help, our partner, ARK, continues its life-saving rescue missions for Ukraine’s most vulnerable animals. Thank you for making this work possible. Credit: ARK

Latest Updates

The Philippines – We rushed emergency aid to animal victims alongside our partner, PAWS Philippines, following Typhoon Kalmaegi and Fung-wong. See how animals were helped.

Credit: PAWS

Croatia – Thanks to our supporters, cruel horse log-pulling competitions are being shut down across the country. Find out more about our campaign wins.

Credit: NFA

Montevideo, Uruguay – Remember Malek? After life-changing reconstructive surgery, he is making a remarkable recovery. Watch Malek’s journey.

Credit: APA El Refugio

Cape Town, South Africa – Weekly sterilization clinics, supported by our monthly recurring donors, are breaking the cycle of suffering for stray cats. Sign up to join our life-saving work worldwide.

Credit: NFA

Arusha, Tanzania – 1,000 donkeys at the Mirongoine market have shade, clean water, food and life-saving medical care, all thanks to our supporters! See the transformation.

Credit: ASPA

Geita, Tanzania – Donkeys working in small-scale gold mines in Geita now have their first sanctuary, because of our donors. Step inside the haven.

Credit: LAZAWO

Ukerewe Island, Tanzania – We achieved 70% rabies vaccination coverage, protecting 8,821 dogs in 2025 alone! Read more.

Credit: LAZAWO

Nairobi, Kenya – Rescued from an illegal roadside dog hawker, Amara, Zola and Dawn are safe, happy and healthy – all thanks to our supporters. See the tail wags!

Credit: KSPCA

Worldwide – From animals worldwide, thank you! Watch our global video.

In the news

In remembrance: Brigitte Bardot and a lifetime of courage for animals. Read more.

 

Thank you for being a friend and hero to the dogs, cats, donkeys and horses who depend on your support.

As we begin another year of crusading for animals worldwide, we are grateful to have you by our side.

 

Banner credit: iStock

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