Kathy alerted me to potential USDA-quarantine needs for the donkeys, and she is right. Minimum of 3 days, @$1200/donkey, and the potential for a lot more. It's the uncertainty of how long and the unknown potential costs that dims the possibility for importing Edilegnya and Sophie. I have a tentative local solution -- Abrahame's father, Negusse, treats his animals well, according to Abrahame. Not that Abrahame's standards are very high, but it's something.... Also I've seen Negusse's working donkey, Bulla (Tan One), and he looks fine and unafraid (I must do a more detailed inspection). Also, Negusse also has an "old" donkey, Tikoor (Blackie), that he keeps feeding etc, whereas he could leave Blackie out to fend for himself, including fending off the hyenas. Negusse would like to own Sophie since she produces children and he could sell them. He could also use Sophie for work between infants. I made a tentative proposal to Negusse -- I'll give him Sophie, but he must care for Edilegnya for the rest of E's life. I've sent for a kid's digital camera w USB cable for Abrahame, and A must photograph the animals and send me a weekly progress report. [Posted in FML 7694]