Hope, a three-year-old donkey, survived a horrific shotgun blast to the head—an injury no vet in France dared to treat. Rescued by the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, she was brought to Equitom, where Dr. Tom Mariën and his team performed a world-first reconstructive surgery to rebuild her skull. After months of expert care, Hope made a remarkable recovery, proving that even in the face of unimaginable cruelty, resilience wins.

The story of Hope

The bulletproof Donkey

Hope, a three-year-old donkey, was discovered in a horrific state—shot in her head at close range with a shotgun. The blast left a gaping hole nearly eights centimeters wide in her forehead. Despite her unimaginable injury, she clung to life.

Alongside her mother, Vanilla, Hope was rescued by Brigitte Bardot's animal welfare organization. The duo received urgent care, but Hope's condition remained critical. Her survival was nothing short of a miracle.

Surgery

The damage was so severe that no veterinarian in France dared to attempt the operation. Determinded to give Hope a chance to fight, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation arranged her transfer to Equitom, our specialized equine clinic in Lummen, Belgium.

Our mission was clear: to reconstruct Hope’s shattered skull—a daunting challenge. Under the leadership of Dr. Tom Mariën and in collaboration with human reconstructive surgery expert Dr. Geulinckx, we developed a groundbreaking technique that would later be recognized as a world first.

The procedure began with carefully detaching mucous membrane from the nassal septum to create a protective layer over the wound. Next, the surrounding bony membrane was lifted and folded over the damaged area as an additional barrier. Finally, a large skin flap was positioned to fully cover the defect, completing the reconstruction.

“We rebuilt her head using a type of flap,” Dr. Tom Mariën explained. “However, with this kind of procedure, there’s always a risk that the flap might not survive. That’s why we kept Hope here for an additional three months, providing her with ample antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication.”

An extra challenge

Unlike a single bullet, a shotgun shell releases multiple pellets that spread out upon firing, causing widespread damage.

In addition to reconstructing Hope’s skull, our surgeons faced another critical challenge—removing dozens of lead pellets lodged in her cranial cavity from the shotfun blast. Each pellet had to be meticulously traced and extracted during surgery, adding another layer of complexity to an already daunting procedure.

Despite the immense difficulty, our team’s unwavering dedication, precision, and perseverance made the impossible possible. Against all odds, Hope’s life was saved.

Recovery

The surgery was a success—a triumph against all the odds. Despite the great risk, Hope’s life was saved through a combination of cutting-edge medical expertise, bold innovation, and a team that simply refused to give up.

Our entire team worked hard to give Hope a change at a healthy and happy life. The surgery not only saved Hope’s life, it also became a milestone in the medical world.

After weeks of expert care, plenty of good food, and much-needed rest, both Hope and her mother, Vanille, made a remarkable recovery. Not only did they regain their strength and playful spirit, but their trust in humans was restored.

Hope's journey

Saved by Fondation Brigitte Bardot

The Fondation Brigitte Bardot is dedicated to protecting and improving the welfare of animals worldwide. Founded by legendary actress and passionate animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot, the foundation fights against cruelty, supports shelters, and advocates for stronger laws to safeguard animals.

Through its tireless rescue efforts, the foundation provides shelter, medical care, and a second chance to thousands of animals—from dogs and cats to livestock and wildlife. But its mission goes beyond rescue. By promoting education and raising awareness, the organization strives to create a world where every animal is treated with the respect and dignity it deserves.