Feel Good Friday - Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary

While my California road trip has technically come to an end, I can’t resist writing about one more organization I discovered while on the road, the Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary

Founded by Carlen and Jim Eckford in 2018 and headquartered in Arroyo Grande, the mission of the Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary is “to reduce misperceptions about donkeys which can often lead to their mistreatment and/or abandonment and to support and give homeless or mistreated donkeys, a good safe, loving and healthy lifetime home, provide them shelter, feed, vet care, medicines, exercise and LOVE!” 

The Eckfords were inspired to create Rancho Burro after an encounter with an abandoned, neglected donkey named Harry who they tried to save. The sanctuary spans 10 acres and can house 15 donkeys. Current residents were rescued from a variety of situations such as kill shelters, ranches and roadsides. Volunteers at the sanctuary help by giving the donkeys love and attention, exercise and grooming, and also by cleaning the stalls and field areas.

Right now, the team at Rancho Burro is raising funds for a new 45-acre sanctuary in San Luis Obispo, which will allow them to rescue and house up to 50 donkeys. There are also plans to do community outreach and provide equine therapy for developmentally disabled children and adults. Hear from the founders, and see some of the donkeys, by watching this short news clip.

If you want to learn more about the donkeys at Rancho Burro you can click on their pictures and read their individual rescue stories. From there you’re able to sponsor a donkey for as little as $35 a month. With a little planning you can organize a visit to the sanctuary to meet the donkeys in person.

The final ways to support Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary are to make a general donation and spread the word on social media. Like their Facebook page and follow them on Instagram @rancho.burro.donkey.sanctuary.