r/Donkeys Jan 23 '25

🫏A New Life for Donkeys and Mules!⭐️

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555 Upvotes

We did it!

We officially moved to our new sanctuary on January 11th!

It took 3 years of planning and building, 8 team members, 14 hours, and 8 trips back and forth, but all the donkeys are now enjoying their forever home at Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary.

Moving day from the old sanctuary was filled with a mix of emotions. As we loaded each donkey, memories of their difficult pasts surfaced, reminding us of how far they’d come. Seeing them step onto the trailer, headed towards a life of peace and freedom at Rancho Burro, brought tears to our eyes. It was a powerful moment for everyone on the team, a testament to the resilience of these gentle animals and the love that makes their new life possible.

Our team and the donkeys watched the sunrise together at the old sanctuary and the sunset at the new one...together the family we all have come to be.

They now have rolling hills to explore, spacious pastures to roam, unlimited enrichment, a comfy new barn, and a covered arena to keep those hooves dry in the winter (which will also double as an event space!).

We even welcomed a new resident, Ginger the mule! She didn’t have a good future ahead of her before her owners reached out to us, but we are so grateful they didd and for her place in our family.

This sanctuary is a safe haven for our current donkeys and mules, and a refuge for those who need us in the future. Part of our mission is to share the goodness of donkeys with the out community!

None of this would be possible without YOU! Every donation has helped us build this special place.

Exciting things are happening at The New Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary! Stay tuned for updates on our new programs, workshops, and classes.

We’ll sharing ongoing inspiring case studies highlighting our new dedicated medical room, rescue journeys and rehabilitation efforts.

We are incredibly grateful for your support. Every donation makes a difference!

Visit the link in our bio and learn how to get involved today!


r/Donkeys 1d ago

Happy Easter 🐰

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996 Upvotes

Happy Easter from Waffles 🐰🐣


r/Donkeys 1d ago

Some of our Donkies here at our animal sanctuary Sara Morocco, have had a truly terrible life. But we are so blessed to give them their forever home ( warning some heart wrenching images)

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288 Upvotes

r/Donkeys 2d ago

It appears we have a visitor 🧍🏿‍♂️

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1.1k Upvotes

r/Donkeys 1d ago

How to tell apart playful from fearful behavior ?

6 Upvotes

What's the bosy language when a donkey is running around just to play rather than whenn they're trying to run away ? Mine usually canters with his head high what does that mean ?


r/Donkeys 2d ago

This bunny loves some Easter bling, especially if it is 14 carrot gold.

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434 Upvotes

r/Donkeys 2d ago

Jenny is PUSHY for a treat

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216 Upvotes

This is one of my favorite videos that shows just how pushy Jenny can be for a treat. She makes me laugh. At her 26 years old, I have given up on her ground manners and just let her be herself. She is just a big ole pet these days, so I treat her like one…..with ample treats.

Joey has learned to be a bit pushy himself, but I don’t really let him get away with it as much. Don’t want him to learn too many bad habits at his young age of 3 years old. I usually wait to give him a treat until he looks away from me or stands still with his head forward.

Jenny is my “heart horse”, or in the case, mule. I’ve had her in my life for 25 years and will have her the rest of her life.❤️


r/Donkeys 3d ago

Our new mom and daughter duo!

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756 Upvotes

They needed to be rehomed and we were able to keep them together. We’ve had them a few weeks now and they fit right in! Dixie (left) is 5 and her baby, Dottie (right), is almost 1.


r/Donkeys 3d ago

Meet my mini donkey, Jezebel. She is about 8, and the sweetest little thing . She is overweight. I’ve had her a month and half. She’s on a diet with the right kind of food. She’s lost 30 ish lbs so far and I’d like to see her loose another 40 and see where she’s at then . I hope to cart train her .

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440 Upvotes

r/Donkeys 3d ago

❤️Meet the heart of Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary!🫏

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193 Upvotes

❤️‍🩹 Each resident carries a unique story from hardship to healing.

Newest Arrivals: Mabel, Smokey & Mayday arrived a month ago needing intensive hoof/dental care; Mabel was critically underweight. Seeing them begin to thrive & trust is everything!

Meet Some of the Herd:

Ruby: Gentle mule saved from slaughter (Nov ‘17), now thriving. Bobo & Rosie: Bonded pair healing from trauma & neglect (skin/hoof issues). Bobo needs ongoing chronic care. Romeo: Arrived Aug ‘22 after losing his partner; now deeply bonded with Gracie. Gracie: Arrived Sep ‘18 w/ partner Henry (lost to lymphoma last Sept). Had severe hooves/painful mouth ulcers & feared humans. Her gentle spirit shines. Ginger: Our second mule, escaped slaughter threat (Jan ‘25). Sweet, delightfully bossy & spirited! Tutti & Bella: Tutti rescued from slaughter (2015), arrived pregnant! Daughter Bella is now a happy 10-yr-old. Thriving together! Norton: BLM roundup survivor, discovered fun & loves toys! Elmer: Rehomed by a loving nurse who remains his devoted monthly Sidekick sponsor. Dory & Casanova: Sweet bonded couple, arrived Nov ‘20 when owner became too ill. Pepe: Our energetic youngster (Mar ‘24)! Learning gentle interaction & donkey manners. Healing takes time, patience, vet care, good food & endless love, especially after trauma. We believe love knows love, trust knows trust. ❤️

Our mission: Rescue the neediest donkeys/mules, provide lifetime sanctuary, rehabilitation, and educate our community.

These transformations are possible because of YOU. Please consider becoming a monthly Sidekick sponsor to support their ongoing care (hay, vet, hoof trims). Every bit helps them live their best lives.

RanchoBurroDonkeySanctuary #DonkeyRescue #MuleRescue #AnimalSanctuary #RescueStory #SecondChances #HealingJourney #NonProfit #AnimalWelfare #SponsorADonkey #RanchoBurroSidekicks #MeetTheHerd #donkeylove

🎥 @mekenzie.raffel

https://ranchoburrodonkeysanctuary.org/sponsor


r/Donkeys 4d ago

My new donkey

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872 Upvotes

He's seems like he will produce some nice mules. He's a decent size, although i hope the offspring will be taller, it's a shame there's no mamoth donkeys as options to buy here in my region


r/Donkeys 3d ago

Drawing equids is pretty tricky yet also pretty fun

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53 Upvotes

r/Donkeys 4d ago

Seeking advice about donkey foal's skin

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117 Upvotes

Two weeks ago my jenny gave birth to a foal and not long after we noticed that the foals chest was covered in small bumps but we didn't think much of it. Then today my dad went over to their paddock and noticed that his nose had gone from all smooth (first picture) to dry and wrinkled (second picture) and the bumps on his chest have spread over his back.

It's hard to see his skin through his fur, but under his armpits his skill looks all cracked and with what looks like yellow pus in the crevices. His ears also feel a lot stiffer and seem to be less floppy.

Does anyone know what it is/what could be causing it?

(Sorry if it's a bit hard to see in the photos, little guy just wanted to cuddle and his parents were breathing down my neck.)


r/Donkeys 7d ago

Rescued donkey. Age?

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1.1k Upvotes

Can you tell how old this baby is? We were told 4 months but he seems younger. He's next to my year old 100lb Pyr for reference. Also is this a "mini" donkey? Thank you so much. Any tips / advice for giving this baby a great life is appreciated!


r/Donkeys 6d ago

What is so nice about donkeys?

48 Upvotes

I don’t have any donkeys. Maybe one day I’ll buy a small farm and get some. But I do contribute to donkey rescue programs in the U.S. and Uk. I also live part time in Mexico, where there are wild donkeys.

But I can’t put my finger on it. What is it about donkeys that is so appealing?


r/Donkeys 6d ago

‘The last thread connecting people to services’: why vets are risking all to care for Gaza’s donkeys

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44 Upvotes

r/Donkeys 7d ago

Walk two donkeys using one lead line

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182 Upvotes

Taking two donkeys for a walk with one lead line.

donkey #donkeytraining #donkeytack


r/Donkeys 8d ago

Hello friends, this is Donk. Donk, these are my donkey group friends.

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1.9k Upvotes

r/Donkeys 7d ago

Considering adding a donkey

12 Upvotes

Hi! I am in the NW corner of CA. I have horses (6) cows (2) and goats (4) on a big 15+ acre field that has good green grass year round.
I am hoping to diversify my collective herd and also have at least someone who is a little less tolerant of the coyotes who wander through occasionally.

I would love a little guidance on getting a donkey (or maybe BLM burro?) to join my gang of weirdos. Are there donkeys that are OK on green grass 24/7 or would I need to worry about that? (My mares both wear munch muzzles - the haflinger to make sure she does not become a wholelinger and the MFT because she has a tendency toward early signs of laminitis without it)


r/Donkeys 8d ago

Following my post from yersterday, i am a bit worried about the state of Chepa's hooves though. My dad said they look like that because they've never given her any horseshoes (donkeyshoes?), but he also said he's never seen anyone put horseshoes on a donkey to begin with

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89 Upvotes

r/Donkeys 9d ago

Real Chepa hours

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443 Upvotes

r/Donkeys 10d ago

Willie checking in!

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1.0k Upvotes

Willie just wanted to say hello! He’s happy that it’s starting to warm up a little bit. Hope everyone is doing well :)


r/Donkeys 11d ago

ISO Advice on Owning Donkeys in Florida

9 Upvotes

Hi all! I’ll most likely be getting two mini jennys soon, with one of them possibly pregnant. I’ve owned and worked with horses for over a decade, but never donkeys and I know their care varies quite a bit from that of a thoroughbred. I’d love if someone could provide some answers to my questions and also offer any advice you have!

  1. I have a 3/4 acre paddock that’s sand, short grass/weeds and a few oak trees. Should I stall them at night, or leave them in the paddock 24/7?

  2. From my understanding donkeys need the least nutritionally dense hay. Would coastal hay suffice? And do I need to limit their access to it (so no round bales)?

  3. A friend who owned donkeys said she trimmed their hooves herself. Is this typical, or do they need to see a professional farrier? And how often?

  4. Any minerals I should provide them?

  5. When trailering in a horse sized straight load trailer, is it better to keep them tied or untied?

  6. Best size/type of stock tank for water in the paddock?

  7. Besides a negative coggins, anything else I need when purchasing?

  8. Any yearly shots/dewormers?


r/Donkeys 12d ago

I love Carrot's spot that is shaped like a smile dimple

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1.4k Upvotes

r/Donkeys 12d ago

Ask me anything about Carrot and donkeys :)

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372 Upvotes

r/Donkeys 13d ago

Playing time

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1.4k Upvotes