Our Mission & Inspiration

We are a nonprofit organization located in Arroyo Grande, CA

At Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary, our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and provide lifetime homes for abused, abandoned and neglected donkeys. We are dedicated to promoting the well-being of these incredible animals and raising awareness about their plight. Our goal is to create a safe and loving environment where donkeys can thrive and live out their lives with dignity. 

Our inspiration and advocacy to start Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary began with an encounter with a sweet, gentle, and lonely donkey named Harry, who was cast out into a field on the side of a Highway and completely neglected by his owner. His only food was weed control with no balanced diet or consistent access to water.

Due to neglect and malnourishment, Harry, the donkey perished before we could intervene.

Witnessing Harry's suffering sparked a fire within us, igniting a deep desire to advocate for neglected donkeys and make a difference in their lives. In honor of Harry, we formed Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary in 2016, dedicated to rescuing abandoned and mistreated donkeys who had been left behind, just like Harry.

As time passed, more and more donkeys have found solace and love through our rescue efforts and found their forever home and family at Rancho Burro. Each success story fueled our determination to keep fighting for these donkeys who couldn't speak for themselves.

Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary has become a sanctuary of healing, a place where forgotten souls were given a second chance at life. From the moment the donkeys arrived, they were surrounded by warmth, nourishment, and the comfort of a new family. Our volunteers worked tirelessly to ensure that each resident received the proper medical care, nutrition, and love they deserved.

With each day that passed, we witnessed miracles unfold in this haven of compassion. Donkeys that had been broken, neglected, and abused slowly regained their spirit, wagging tails and heehawing with joy. The sanctuary became a sanctuary not just for animals, but for our volunteers as well – a space where love and empathy flourished.

As we reflect on our journey and the lives we've changed, we are forever grateful to Harry for inspiring us to make a difference. His memory lives on within our hearts and will continue to drive us forward, advocating for those without a voice.