In the highlands of Ethiopia, 12-year-old Tesfaye Awoke is fighting a desperate battle – not against poverty or drought, but to save his beloved chicken, Bela, from a mysterious wasting illness. The boy, who raises the chicken to help feed his family, has become a local hero after news of his struggle reached the British Zoo Society, which has now stepped in to offer veterinary support.
Tesfaye lives in a small village in the Amhara region, where his family relies on their few livestock for survival. When Bela stopped laying eggs and began to weaken, the boy refused to give up. He walked three hours to the nearest town to find medicine, spending his last birr on antibiotics that failed to work. His persistence caught the attention of a local teacher who shared the story online. Within days, the British Zoo Society, a charity dedicated to animal conservation and welfare, contacted their partners in Addis Ababa to dispatch a vet.
“This is not just about a chicken,” said Dr. Helen Grant, the society’s outreach coordinator. “It’s about a child’s compassion and the bond between humans and animals in the most difficult circumstances. We are committed to helping Bela recover and ensuring Tesfaye has the resources to care for her.”
For families like Tesfaye’s, a chicken is more than a pet. It is a source of protein, income, and security. The loss of a single bird can push a household closer to hunger. This story reflects the broader challenges of rural life in Ethiopia, where children often bear the weight of adult responsibilities.
Tesfaye’s mother, Mulu, spoke tearfully of her son’s dedication. “He loves that chicken more than anything. He would give up his own meal to feed her. We are grateful to the people who heard his cry for help.”
The British Zoo Society is now working with local vets to treat Bela for a possible bacterial infection. They have also launched a fundraising appeal to support livestock health programmes in the region.
This is a story of hope against the odds, of a small boy who refused to let an animal suffer alone. It reminds us that one act of kindness can spark a global response.
