ACE was opened in July 2000 by two animal lovers Kim and Julie, who had initially come to Egypt on holiday. They were so distressed by the condition of the horses and donkeys they saw around Luxor, they decided to do something to help. ACE started as a simple idea to give these animals a break from their long working days in the hot sun, somewhere they could have a drink, have their tack removed, and get a wash to keep the dirt and sweat under the tack from creating sores.

ACE knows that most visitors rarely see the thousands of working animals serving the needs of the tourist industry. They are still used as the main transport for most things, from the bricks, steel and cement used in the building industry, to the huge amount of food and drink consumed in Luxor every day. These animals are almost always overloaded and overworked.

Working equids are affected by many of the same diseases and injuries common in the developed world. Additionally, animals working on busy roads and building sites, often malnourished and in poor condition, are subject to a myriad of other injuries not often encountered in other parts of the world. Many of the injuries are caused by ill-fitting and home-made tack and saddles which rub and leave the animals with terrible sores which do not get a chance to heal as they have to continue working. Other common problems in working animals include wounds, lameness, fractures, eye problems, goading injuries, road traffic accidents, foot and farriery problems, parasites, and colic.

ACE has now evolved into a fully functioning veterinary hospital with up to 200 animals visiting a day. The working animals come to enjoy a wash, fresh water to drink and a role in the sand pit, however, most of these also require some sort of basic medical attention. For those with serious conditions there are 25 stalls in the large animal inpatients area.

ACE is trying to improve the lives of these animals not only by treatment but also by education, medication and prevention. The service we provide is free to the poor owners who rely so heavily on their animals to feed, clothe and house their families. Better education for owners is a critical part of improving the welfare of these animals. Often the owners are illiterate and lack any formal education. Their animal husbandry knowledge comes from tradition passed down through the ages. Sadly, some of these traditions can be catastrophic for their animals, doing more harm than good.

ACE has three Egyptian vets and is visited regularly by other vets from around the world. There is also a group of volunteers. This dedicated and hard-working team provide vital care.

ACE is completely funded by voluntary donation and need your help to continue this vital work.

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ACE was opened in July 2000 by two animal lovers Kim and Julie, who had initially come to Egypt on holiday. They were so distressed by the condition of the horses and donkeys they saw around Luxor, they decided to do something to help. ACE started as a simple idea to give these animals a break from their long working days in the hot sun, somewhere they could have a drink, have their tack removed, and get a wash to keep the dirt and sweat under the tack from creating sores.

ACE knows that... (read more)