This study assessed the welfare of working donkeys in Endulen Ward, Ngorongoro District, based on responses from 62 female participants (17 to 35 years of age), as women are the primary donkey caregivers in the community.

All donkeys were mainly used for packing, especially (76%) for fetching water and carrying firewood. Donkey usage ranged from 1–8 hours per day, with 55% starting work at 08:00 and 64% ending by 14:00 hrs. Only 5% used their donkeys daily, and the majority (58%) used them occasionally when needed.

All donkeys were ranging free to feed, and health issues were largely managed by allowing self-healing (97%), with minimal use of traditional medicine (3%). Lameness was observed by 73% of respondents and linked mainly to injuries. No abnormalities aside from lameness or lesions were reported. All lameness cases were managed by resting the donkey. Lesions inflicted by rope friction (40%) and harness issues were reported by all respondents. This was despite the use of cushioning materials during work, suggesting inadequacies in harnessing or overloading. All female donkeys bred naturally without owner intervention, and all respondents lacked knowledge on breeding signs and reproductive intervals, indicating a knowledge gap in reproductive management.

This study provides an understanding of the usage patterns, health status, and general welfare conditions of working donkeys in Endulen Ward, Ngorongoro District. The findings reveal a strong reliance on donkeys for essential domestic chores. These tasks are especially critical in remote areas where access to infrastructure and transportation is limited. The findings highlighted an urgent need to improve harness quality and fit as well as to provide training on safe loading and working practices.

Overall, the study underscores that despite donkeys' crucial role in rural livelihoods, their welfare is frequently compromised due to poor husbandry practices, lack of education of caregivers, and inadequate support systems. There is an urgent need for targeted interventions that promote humane handling, strengthen veterinary outreach, and build local capacity in animal welfare. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic, community-based approach that integrates animal health services, capacity building, and culturally appropriate welfare education. By tackling these issues through community engagement, improved equipment, and health education, the quality of life for donkeys can be substantially enhanced—ultimately benefiting the people who depend on them.