These miniature Mediterranean Donkeys, Delilah, Ethel, and Daphne, were roaming the hillside of a nearby ranch. They were no longer wanted and in need of some TLC which we were happy to provide!

So sweet and affectionate, the girls have formed a close bond with one another. They like to romp around together, and especially enjoy a nice brushing.

Like her other donkey friends, Daphne is smart, playful, affectionate and at times stubborn. We wouldn’t have it any other way!

Remember Hurricane Harvey in 2017? Who can forget the catastrophic disaster in Texas. Houston animal shelters were beyond overwhelmed and many were “kill shelters.”

A good Samaritan adopted this little donkey who survived the hurricane only to end up in a kill shelter. She named him Harvey. She brought Harvey to live at her beautiful ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley. Harvey had a donkey companion that passed away recently, plunging him into a deep depression.

Donkeys are highly social and intelligent animals, relying on companionship for comfort and security. Losing a bonded partner creates emotional distress, similar to grief observed in other animals like elephants and horses. Just like in humans, loneliness has a profound effect on well-being.

We were able to make a home for Harvey at Martha’s Farm Animal Sanctuary. He has joined our herd of female mini-donkeys, never to be lonely again. Now that he has settled in and made new friends, his true personality is shining. Harvey is sweet and energetic, and always seeking attention from humans when he is not playing with his girlfriends. He's only 7 years old, which is young for a donkey.

Donkey fun fact: some can live 40 or more years in optimal environments like sanctuaries!