Why these donkeys get five-star care and give free milk

Located in eastern Lebanon, Hussein Amhaz's farm houses a herd of 24 donkeys that receive exceptional care, rivaling that of hotel five-star lodgings. Amhaz's donkeys enjoy their own care team, special meals, regular cleaning, and weekly veterinary visits, if necessary. The farm's primary rule is that none of the animals are rented out for work.

Amhaz, who resides in the town of Labweh, refuses to lend or hire out his donkeys due to concerns about their welfare. He maintains that his primary motivation is to provide care to these animals, treating them with great attention. His story began roughly a decade ago when a family member faced weakened immunity. Upon researching potential remedies, he learned about the nutritional benefits of donkey milk.

Amhaz then purchased one female donkey from a local market, which eventually led to a growing herd of around 23 females and one male.

Despite the high cost of maintaining such a luxurious lifestyle for his donkeys, Amhaz chooses not to charge for the donkey milk produced. The weekly output amounts to around seven bottles, with prices reaching up to $90 per 250ml in European countries and approximately $260 per kilogram for products made from it. Amhaz, however, provides the milk to people in need free of charge, asking only for a prayer of mercy for family members who have passed away.

Running the farm does come with financial burdens. Amhaz explains that purchasing a single female donkey can cost up to $500, even when it is sick, after which he foots the bill for its treatment. The farm has experienced setbacks, including a poisoning incident that resulted in the death of approximately 20 donkeys, reducing the herd from near 50 members. Nonetheless, Amhaz continues to care for the remaining animals, driven by his desire to provide charity in memory of his family.