Welcome to Rancho Burro

Nestled in the heart of San Luis Obispo, we provide a permanent sanctuary for rescued donkeys—offering them the medical care, nutrition, and love they need to transition from survivors to family.

What a beautiful world it would be if people had hearts like a donkey.

Our Mission

At our sanctuary, we believe every donkey has a story worth honoring. Many of our residents arrive from difficult backgrounds—surviving long transports in cattle trucks or overcoming years of medical neglect.

We don’t just provide a paddock; we provide a home. From intensive veterinary care to specialized diets and social rehabilitation, we are dedicated to the physical and emotional well-being of these resilient animals. Whether it’s a “round man” recovering from illness or a social butterfly finding their place in the herd, our mission is to ensure their golden years are spent in peace.

Meet the Long Ears

Our herd is a beautiful, ever-evolving family with plenty of stories to tell. As we welcome new rescues into the fold, celebrate exciting adoptions, and gently say goodbye to our beloved seniors, the dynamic of the sanctuary is always changing. But one thing remains the same: from lifelong bonds to the legendary ‘paddock politics’ (and the occasional one-way jealousy), there’s always a lot of love—and a little drama—in the pasture.