There is one character in the biblical Christmas story about the Birth of Jesus that is pivotal, yet often forgotten: the donkey. A little donkey who carried The Virgin Mary to Bethlehem, where she gave birth to baby Jesus in a stable. So it is fitting that we share the story of a modern-day donkey on Christmas Day and her pivotal role in ensuring the safe arrival of a newborn baby in Gaza recently.Fatima, a 20-year-old grey jenny, came to the rescue of heavily pregnant Alaa Nafeez Fysefs when she went into labour while at home in a village to the east of the city of Khan Yunis.The surrounding roads have been destroyed by the Israel-Hamas war, and so an ambulance or car was unable to make the journey to the hospital. Alaas only hope was Fatima, a working donkey who had recently been treated by a team who are supported and financed by the British charity Safe Haven for Donkeys.Donkeys have become a primary method of transporting people in Gaza because, as well as the roads being ruined, fuel is scarce and many cars, vans and trucks have been damaged during the war.Community supportAlaas husband was with his ill elderly father in hospital and so he called a friend, Mohammed Saif, to help.Mohammed got in touch with his brother, Dr Shehda Saif, who leads the Safe Haven for Donkeys team in Gaza. Dr Saif suggested Mohammed contacted Fatimas owner, Saeed. Fatima had recently been treated by the charitys team for saddle sores.Saeed was happy to offer Fatimas assistance, but could not accompany the donkey as he was in the process of building a tent for his family. It was agreed that Mohammed would escort Alaa and Fatima the eight kilometres to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, which is one of the largest hospitals in the Gaza Strip.The journey was long, tiring and dangerous, and Alaas contractions became stronger as they got closer to the hospital.Fatima had recently been treated for saddle soresA safe arrivalThe medical staff were quick to assist Alaa when she arrived at the hospital and an hour later, Alaas daughter, Nur Mohammed Al-rqyp, was born safe and well.Mohammed and Fatima waited outside the hospital for around three hours for Alaa and Nur to be discharged. The donkey then carried the mother and her newborn baby safely back home. Were told that mother, baby, and Fatima the donkey are doing well after their long journey. A happy ending for Christmas.Alaa with her newborn babyAbout the charitySafe haven for Donkeysis a British charity that cares for working and abandoned donkeys in Israel, the Palestinian Territories, Egypt, and Gaza. They welcome donations to support their work this Christmas as little as 3 can feed one of their rescued donkeys, while 5 can fund veterinary treatment and 10 will support the mobile veterinary team continue its important work. In Gaza, the charitys efforts are led by Dr Saif, who, alongside his team, have treated around 1,000 injured donkeys, including Fatima, since April.Find out more and donate to Safe Haven for Donkeys here.Main image Shutterstock; inset Safe Haven for DonkeysRelated contentBrooke reveals it helped 32 million working horses and donkeys in 2023-24Long stripey socks give donkeys relief from biting insectsHow to take care of a horse7 common winter vet call outs and how to avoid them this seasonVet advice: how to prevent your horse getting mud feverThe post Little donkey carries labouring mother-to-be to safe place to give birth in the Middle East appeared first on Your Horse.