Meet the Rancho Burro Founders
Carlen Eckford, Founder & Medical Director
Carlen Eckford, Founder & Medical Director
Carlen Eckford, Founder & Medical Director
with Sweet RUBY
27 year old
1/2 Mammoth Donkey-1/2 Draft Horse
Rescued from a Texas kill pen in 2017.
Jim Eckford, Founder & Executive Director
Carlen Eckford, Founder & Medical Director
Carlen Eckford, Founder & Medical Director
with Funny Guy NORTON
6 years old
Rescued from an isolated boarding facility in 2020.
Staff
Laura • Director
Arturo • Sanctuary Manager
Arturo • Sanctuary Manager
with Alfie. A very kind gentleman donkey.
11 years old
Rescued July from a Texas Kill Pen.
Arturo • Sanctuary Manager
Arturo • Sanctuary Manager
Arturo • Sanctuary Manager
with our sassy youngster, Pepe, rescued from a neglect situation in March 2024.
Nancy • Barn Manager
Arturo • Sanctuary Manager
Heather • Assistant Barn Manager
with Bobo
20 years old
Rescued in 2019
Bobo is a 2-time suicide loss survivor and was believed to be ridden in past Rose Parades.
Heather • Assistant Barn Manager
Heather • Assistant Barn Manager
Heather • Assistant Barn Manager
with Wookie
27 years old
Rescued in 2025 from a Texas Kill Pen.
Izzy•Alumni Staff
Heather • Assistant Barn Manager
Izzy•Alumni Staff
with ROSIE (aka Blanca Diabla)
10 years old
Rescued with BOBO in 2019 when their owner died by suicide.
Volunteers
Steve•Volunteer
Steve•Volunteer
Steve•Volunteer
with Norton
Rescued in 2019
Norton, a once wild donkey rounded up by the Bureau of Land Management, spent years alone and neglected in a boarding facility until he was finally rescued.
Karla•Volunteer
Steve•Volunteer
Steve•Volunteer
with Sweetest Gracie.
Gracie was rescued with her bonded partner in 2017, Henry,
who passed in 2024 from
stage 4 Lymphoma.
Andy• Volunteer
Steve•Volunteer
Matt• Alumni Volunteer
With his draft mule ChaCha!
From mucking stalls and cleaning the barn to showering the donkeys with affection and helping at events, Andy tackles every task with a smile and a willing spirit. He's a truly invaluable volunteer.
Matt• Alumni Volunteer
Melisa• Alumni Volunteer
Matt• Alumni Volunteer
with JOJO
25 years old
Rescued in 2015
Jojo was the victim of bad cowboy roping practice and a bad diet and suffered a significant amount of physical and mental damage, but In spite of his horrible past, Jojo is the best boy!
Melisa• Alumni Volunteer
Melisa• Alumni Volunteer
Melisa• Alumni Volunteer
For over five years, Melisa from Woollybear Travels has been an incredible alumni events volunteer, managing the crucial donkey-guest experience at our events. A gifted artist, she travels to sanctuaries, painting their residents and generously donates a portion of the proceeds back to each rescue. We are so grateful for this wonderfully kind and talented member of our team.
Karen • Events Volunteer
Melisa• Alumni Volunteer
Melisa• Alumni Volunteer
Karen's presence has been a fantastic boost to our events team. She consistently excels in her roles, managing event check-in and the gift shop, while also providing crucial support with set-up and tear-down. We are incredibly fortunate to have such an outstanding volunteer.
Medical Team
Coast to Coast Vets
Jack Night • Farrier
Jack Night • Farrier
Dr. Natalie Juris & Dr. Juan Valdez
Jack Night • Farrier
Jack Night • Farrier
Jack Night • Farrier
EponaMind
Dr. Sheri Gaber
Jack Night • Farrier
Dr. Sheri Gaber
Equine Chiropractor & Energy Work
•EponaMind•
David Jensen• Ophthalmology DVM
Dr. Sheri Gaber
Horse & Shoe Technology
David Jensen• Ophthalmology DVM
David Jensen• Ophthalmology DVM
David Jensen• Ophthalmology DVM
San Marcos Equine
WAYS TO DONATE
