It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that Rafael, fondly known as Rafi, passed away Sunday afternoon. He left us peacefully surrounded by loving friends.

Ten months ago CAPE and Compassion Without Borders (CWOB) were able to rescue Rafael from a life of cruelty and suffering. For many years he had lived harnessed to a decrepit cart, often denied food and water. He was beaten when he was too weak to stand and pull the heavy cart. After many years of dehydration and malnutrition, his kidneys began to fail.

Rafi arrived at the CAPE Animal Sanctuary at the end of August, 2015. He joined new friends (our burros) in a green pasture, where delicious and nutritious food was served liberally throughout the day. Water troughs were plentiful along with volunteers who would massage his scarred spine and stiff hips.

For the first eight months in his new home, Rafi gained weight and muscle mass. We would often see him running around the pasture and playing with the burros. Sadly, as the months progressed, his kidneys continued to fail, ultimately leading to his untimely death.

Rafael's story traveled around the world via an online petition that CAPE launched with the aim of changing laws on behalf of animals forced to work. People from every continent learned about Rafael and signed up to help other animals like him. Rafael represents the suffering of so many animals at the hands of humans. Thankfully, for the final months of his life, Rafi was given his freedom - no more pain, only love.

Although we will miss him terribly, Rafael's story will always remind us of the millions of animals around the world who still need our help. We at CAPE will never stop advocating for them.  

We would like to thank all of you who were so instrumental in saving Rafi from a life of misery. There was such an outpouring of kindness from people reaching out with donations of food, time and financial assistance for his vet care. We would also like to thank CWOB for making sure that Rafi was rescued and safely brought to the CAPE Animal Sanctuary.

Please take a moment to watch the videos below that chronicle Rafi's wonderful year at the sanctuary.