Our Mission & Values
Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and give lifetime homes to abused, abandoned, and neglected donkeys and mules. We strive to create positive change in our community through various initiatives and educational programs sharing the healing and goodness of donkeys.
Harry the Neglected Donkey
The story of Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary began in 2016, born from a heartbreaking encounter with a sweet, abandoned donkey named Harry. Left in a dusty field by a highway with nothing but weeds and no access to clean water, Harry tragically passed away before we could intervene. Witnessing his suffering ignited a fierce determination within us to ensure no other donkey would experience that same fate. In his memory, we founded our sanctuary with a clear mission: to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide lifelong, loving homes to abused and neglected donkeys and mules.
Today, Rancho Burro serves as a true haven of healing where countless animals receive the advanced medical care, proper nutrition, and boundless compassion they were previously denied. As we watch broken spirits revive and rediscover joy, we also witness something truly remarkable within the pastures. Our healed residents actively help comfort and rehabilitate new, traumatized arrivals, demonstrating a profound sense of empathy. This incredible healing touch extends even to our human visitors, as these gentle animals possess a unique ability to sense and soothe emotional wounds.
Ultimately, Rancho Burro is more than just a safe pasture; it is a community where compassion and resilience flourish. Every life we save and every spirit we help mend is a testament to Harry’s enduring legacy. He continues to inspire our daily work, driving our unwavering commitment to giving a voice to the voiceless and sharing the restorative power of these incredible animals with the world.
Carlen Eckford - Founder & Medical Director
Jim Eckford - Founder & Executive Director
The Magic of Rancho Burro
Since Harry, countless donkeys have found solace here. But something truly remarkable happens in our pastures: we witness how our healed donkeys recognize trauma in others and actively help heal new arrivals. Their comforting touch even extends to our human visitors, possessing an innate ability to sense and soothe emotional wounds.
