Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar – Founder of World Donkey Day
Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar is an animal scientist known for his work on desert ecosystems, pastoral livelihoods, and working animals. He is the founder of World Donkey Day, a global awareness initiative created in 2010 to recognise the importance of donkeys. World Donkey Day is observed every year on 8 May.
The Idea Behind World Donkey Day
The idea for World Donkey Day came from Dr. Kakar’s direct field experience with pastoral communities. During his work, he saw how donkeys support daily life in many regions. Donkeys help with transport, agriculture, farm protection, and household tasks, yet they often receive little recognition.
Dr. Kakar also highlighted an important fact: donkeys are highly resilient animals. They can survive drought, extreme heat, and limited food and water. This makes them especially valuable in climate‑vulnerable and arid regions.
Why World Donkey Day Is Celebrated on 8 May
The date 8 May was chosen for a reason. It follows World Labour Day (1 May) and symbolically recognises the donkey as one of the world’s most important working animals. The donkey has supported human livelihoods for centuries, yet its contribution is often ignored.
The idea gained early international support, including collaboration with animal‑welfare advocates such as Peta Jones from South Africa. Over time, World Donkey Day grew through research, public awareness, and digital outreach.
Ongoing Work Through World Donkey Day and ARKBIODIV
Through World Donkey Day and the ARKBIODIV platform, Dr. Kakar continues to promote:
- Donkey welfare
- Sustainable and ethical use of donkeys
- Responsible value chains
- Stronger policy recognition of working equids
His work connects science, policy, and public awareness. It also positions donkeys as essential partners in rural resilience, food security, and sustainable development.
Why His Work Matters
Dr. Abdul Raziq Kakar’s work has helped bring donkeys into global conversations about development and sustainability. By founding World Donkey Day, he gave a global voice to an animal that supports millions of people every day.
