Oregon Donkey Sanctuary

08/28/2026

Today is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. 🌈🤍

While we never need a special day to remember the animals who have touched our lives, today is a beautiful reminder to celebrate their lives, the unconditional love they shared, and the lasting impact they leave on our hearts.

At the Oregon Donkey Sanctuary, we pause today to honor the donkeys we have loved and lost. Each one was special in their own way, and each left behind cherished memories that we will carry with us always.

Their lives mattered, their memories endure, and the love they gave will never fade.

Until we meet again, sweet fiends. ❤🕯

08/23/2026

08/04/2026

Ever wonder where "20 mule team" actually comes from? In the 1880s, teams of 18 mules plus a couple of horses hauled borax out of Death Valley, 165 miles to the nearest railroad, in wagons built to carry ten tons of ore each. The round trip took about 20 days through some of the harshest terrain in the country.

Borax itself was in everything back then: soap, laundry detergent, glass and ceramic glazes, even as a food preservative before that practice got phased out. It was one of the few profitable minerals to come out of Death Valley, which is exactly why anyone bothered hauling it that far.

The animals doing that work never get much credit beyond the marketing. Real mules (and donkeys, their close cousins) are strong, sure footed, and far smarter than the "stubborn" reputation suggests. They had to be, given what that job demanded.

Next time you see that logo, you're looking at actual working history, not just branding. 🐴

07/31/2026

TGIF! Smiles this big can only mean one thing...it's the weekend! ☀🫏

Erwin's goofy grin? It's actually something pretty amazing!

Donkeys are naturally thoughtful and observant. Rather than reacting immediately, they often pause to assess a situation, using their keen senses to gather information before deciding how to respond.

What you're seeing is called the Flehmen response, and it's just one example of how donkeys carefully investigate the world around them.

By curling back their upper lip and exposing their front teeth, they direct scents toward a special sensory organ in the roof of their mouth called the vomeronasal (Jacobson's) organ. This helps them analyze new and interesting smells to gather information about their surroundings.

So, although it may look like a goofy grin, it's actually a fascinating behavior that reveals just how incredible a donkey's senses truly are. ❤

🐴

07/25/2026

On July 18, we said goodbye to our beloved 32-year-old Vincent.

When Vincent arrived at Oregon Donkey Sanctuary in 2022, he was a tiny, scruffy miniature donkey with a big personality and an even bigger heart. The only rosy-red donkey in the herd, he stood out in more ways than one. He was expressive, feisty, endlessly charming, and always eager for a scratch, a snack, or the company of his favorite people.

Before coming to ODS, Vincent had spent much of his life alongside a man who struggled with homelessness and, later, dementia. It was clear that Vincent had never lacked for love - only the resources and care his owner could no longer provide. We were honored to become part of the next chapter of his story.

At 28 years old, Vincent became what is believed to be the oldest donkey ever castrated at Oregon State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The procedure allowed him to settle happily into life with other donkeys, revealing the affectionate little guy who had been there all along.

He quickly found his place at the sanctuary, becoming good friends with big Erwin and making mini-Mike his constant companion.

For the past several years, Vincent lived with chronic kidney disease. This year brought several health setbacks and recoveries, but each time he reminded us he wasn't finished enjoying life just yet. On his final day, he made his way to the front pasture to spend time with Mike and Erwin before quietly letting us know he was growing tired.

When Vincent developed congestive heart failure, we gave him the peaceful goodbye he deserved. Surrounded by the people who loved him, with gentle music, soft hands, and grateful hearts, Vincent was released with dignity and love.

We are deeply grateful to Dr. Posey and the team at Pacific Crest Equine Veterinary Services for the exceptional care they gave Vincent. Her compassion, countless visits, and unwavering dedication gave him every opportunity for more good days.

Vincent's story is one of resilience, second chances, friendship, and unconditional love. We miss you, sweet Vincent. Thank you for letting us be part of your story. You will always be loved. ❤️

07/22/2026

🌞 Are you or your organization hosting an end-of-summer BBQ or tackling a cleanup project? We’ll take those bottles and cans off your hands!

By participating in the BottleDrop Give program, you can turn your recyclables into support for the donkeys.

It’s easy to help:

♻️ Collect your redeemable glass, plastic, and aluminum containers.
💙 Fill one of our BottleDrop Give Blue Bags and return it to any participating BottleDrop location.
Don’t have transportation? We will pick up!

Don’t have a Blue Bag?
No problem! If you have a Green Bag account, simply select our organization under the Donate tab.

Every bottle and can you donate helps provide feed, shelter, veterinary care, and everything our donkeys need to thrive year-round.

Want to get started? Contact us today at [email protected] to request your BottleDrop Give Blue Bags!

Thank you for helping us turn recycling into care for the herd! 🫏💙

07/10/2026

Just a little photo dump from life at Oregon Donkey Sanctuary. ☀️

Lazy afternoons. Warm sunshine. Sweet faces. Playful antics. Long naps. A little mischief. Plenty of scratches. And more than a few reminders to slow down and enjoy the simple things.

This is what the good life looks like around here - and we're so happy to share it with you. 🫏

07/07/2026

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