The May 2025 Animalia Mafia Island veterinary campaign took place from May 5th to May 20th, expanding its reach to the northernmost parts of the island and achieving significant milestones in animal health and community safety.
Key Achievements
During this 15-day mission, the team treated a total of 296 animals:
- Sterilizations and Vaccinations: 188 animals were neutered/spayed and vaccinated against Rabies.
- Dogs: 127 (71 females, 56 males).
- Cats: 61 (41 females, 20 males).
- Preventative Care: 108 Rabies booster vaccinations were administered to animals previously neutered in earlier campaigns.
- Welfare Impact: Beyond surgeries, the team treated animals for wounds (including rope and machete injuries) and provided extensive anti-parasitical treatments for ticks, fleas, and worms.
Campaign Schedule and Locations
This campaign was notable for its extensive outreach to remote areas, including a four-day mission to the northern tip of the island:
- Kilindoni & Ndagoni (May 5-6): Operations began at Bustani Lodge.
- North Mafia – Kanga & Bweni (May 7-10): The team spent four days in the north, hosted by Mr. Justine Jeron and Mr. Ali Bweni.
- Usewe, Vunjanazi & Kirongwe (May 12-14): Targeted outreach in central and northern villages.
- Utende & Kiegeani (May 16-18): Operations based at Eco Shamba Kilole Lodge.
- Chole Island (May 19): A dedicated day for the neighboring island community.
Professional Team
The campaign was managed by Dr. Francesca Bensa and executed by a diverse medical team:
- Veterinarians: Dr. Susan Bell (Chief of Project) and Dr. Kelvin Daniel Shango.
- Support: Vet Nurse Prosper Godbless Munno, Para-Vet Gasper Malya, and Vet Student Salum Mtutu Silima.
- Assistants: Rocky Matteru, Justine Jeron, and Hatibu Makungu.
Strategic Progress: The Animalia Mafia Island NGO
A major development highlighted in this report is the ongoing process of registering Animalia Mafia Island as an official NGO. This step is crucial for the long-term goal of establishing a permanent veterinary clinic on the island. The mission continues to focus on shifting public perception from culling to humane population control, which the report emphasizes is the only effective way to eliminate Rabies and foster harmony between the community and the environment.
