The two moms had been captured south of Needles, CA, after reports that their herd had become a public safety hazard. Descendants of donkeys used as beasts of burden during the colonization of the American West, wild donkeys endured decades of persecution by ranchers before receiving federal protection, and in today’s crowded landscape, many find themselves essentially homeless. In the facility, Dorado and Platero were weaned at about five months old, separated from their mothers, and made available for adoption. Because of their age and temperament, Patsy and Dolly were categorized as “un-adoptable.” We decided to put them in a different category: Farm Sanctuary residents.

Once we learned about Dorado and Platero, we adopted these youngsters and reunited them with their mothers. At our Southern California shelter, Dorado and his family are safe from harassment but also free to remain wild. Though these donkeys don’t care to be lavished with attention like some of our other residents, visitors are inspired when we take them on a “safari” out to the back pasture to see the family living as they wish — this little patch of the West is all theirs.