From Copenhagen to Lamu: How Donkey Republic is Making a Difference

At Donkey Republic, we’re more than just a bike-sharing company; we’re a community that values sustainability, empathy, and connection. Our journey began in Denmark, and today, our orange bikes have spread to cities across the globe. But this time, we’re embarking on a journey that’s a little different. A journey that connects us to a small island off the coast of Kenya, and to a project that has touched our hearts in a way we never imagined.

 

It all started with a chance encounter. Our CFO, Christian, was on vacation in Lamu, a beautiful island known for its rich Swahili culture and centuries-old traditions. Lamu is a place where cars simply cannot exist, as the town’s narrow alleys leave no room for them. Donkeys are not just animals here; they are lifelines, companions, and workers, essential to daily life. Lamu was built thanks to donkeys, and they remain a vital part of the town’s heritage.

While staying at a bed and breakfast run by Olivia and her partner Thomas, Christian’s Donkey Republic t-shirt caught Olivia’s eye. Olivia, who had spent some years in Denmark and speaks Danish, struck up a conversation. One thing led to another, and we were introduced to the incredible work she’s doing through the Silver Star Lamu Donkey Care initiative.

A Community of Care and Compassion
Silver Star Lamu Donkey Care is more than just a charity; it’s a lifeline for donkeys in Lamu. Founded by a local self-help group of 11 donkey owners from low-income families, the project focuses on the welfare of these hardworking animals. Backed by Brooke East Africa and supported by the Department of Social Services in Lamu, this grassroots initiative is making a real difference in the lives of both donkeys and their owners.

The group meets regularly, pooling resources and ideas to ensure the donkeys receive the care they deserve. While meticulous execution is the goal, it’s still a work in progress. The group coordinates closely with the vets at the Donkey Sanctuary in Lamu for medical treatments and vaccinations, focusing more on care and promoting good practices, such as regular deworming and proper treatment of the donkeys. They also handle basic first aid when needed and collaborate with vets for more serious cases.

 

Inspired by the story of Silver Star Lamu Donkey Care, we decided to bring a piece of Lamu to Copenhagen. We’re introducing a special grey bike named Zabibu, after one of the donkeys in Lamu who embodies resilience and strength.

Zabibu’s story is deeply moving. She experienced a heartbreaking stillbirth in August, where her baby, a beautiful female named Coco, was lost due to complications. This loss was especially difficult for Zabibu and the team at Silver Star. Despite the emotional and physical toll, Zabibu is now resting and recuperating, with plans to start working again in September. Moreover, she experienced a previous loss in May 2022 when her male baby, Nyota, passed away at just a month old. Her name, meaning “grapes” in Kiswahili, symbolizes the resilience and sweetness that can emerge from hardship.

This grey bike will be a symbol of our commitment to this cause. All the revenue generated from rides on Zabibu will go directly to supporting the Silver Star Lamu Donkey Care project. It’s our way of giving back, of showing that even in cities far removed from Lamu, we are connected by shared values of compassion, sustainability, and community.

This project resonates with us on so many levels. It’s about more than just donkeys. It’s about the bond between humans and animals, about communities coming together to make life better for everyone involved. It’s about the power of small actions to make a big difference. At Donkey Republic, we’ve always believed in the power of bikes to change the world, and now we’re extending that belief to donkeys.

We hope that as you ride Zabibu in Copenhagen, you’ll feel that connection too. And who knows, maybe one day, we’ll have more bikes named after Lamu’s donkeys in cities around the world, each one a tribute to the incredible work being done by the Silver Star Lamu Donkey Care project.

 

Together, let’s make a difference, one pedal at a time.