The Brooke - Brooke work in Jordan

Country profile

Lying between Israel and Saudi Arabia, the desert Kingdom of Jordan has seen numerous civilizations, including the native Nabatean civilization which left rich archaeological remains at Petra where the Brooke works.

Jordan is a relatively small country with a population of just over 6 million people. Main exports include, fertilisers and agricultural products*. Working horses and donkeys in Petra labour as part of the local tourism industry, either as cart horses or are horses and donkeys ridden by sightseeing tourists.

Current situation

Our animal health centre in Petra is the focus of Brooke’s activity in Jordan. With only one mobile team, it is the smallest of Brooke’s operations, yet it provides vital treatment for many hundreds of horses and donkeys working in the area.

The Brooke currently provides a daily clinic, a 24-hour emergency service and a mobile clinic which visits Petra, Bedoul and Wadi Musa several times a week. Additional visits are made when needed.

Brooke also works with the animal owners, Petra Archaeological Park Authorities, local farriers and government vets, providing training and support on animal welfare issues.

Making a difference

The goal of the Brooke’s programme in Jordan is to ensure measurable improvements are made in the welfare of working horses and mules.

Indeed, Brooke’s programme in Jordan has delivered very positive changes in a relatively short space of time. The improved welfare of working horses and donkeys in Petra is noticeable - there is now no firing (red-hot wires applied to ‘cure’ problems but a painful and ineffective treatment) and no nostril slitting (which owners traditionally believed helped their animals breathe better).

Local partnerships

The Brooke has set up a community partnership with the local Horse Owners' Association in which animal owners help run and support the clinic. Now, all costs and maintenance of the water troughs are paid for by the owners and there are no animals suffering and collapsing from dehydration related problems. This shows that the Brooke's sustainable approach to animal welfare really does make a significant difference.

In 2009 and continuing in 2010 we will be:

continuing to strengthen the skills of owners, park authorities and government vets
focusing on increasing responsibility towards animal welfare in animal owners, tour guides and tourists
encouraging less dependence on our input whilst improving the quality of local animal welfare practices.

The Brooke reached 1000 animals in Jordan in 2009.

* BBC World Service country profile