You Can Hang Out With Mini Rescue Donkeys For Free At This Texas Ranch
Despite how we treat them, domesticated animals always seem to be there to give us their unconditional love and help, whether they're the domestic animals like cats and dogs or farm creatures. If as a nature lover, you love having cute animal encounters in Texas, there's a ranch where you can cuddle with the cutest donkeys and the tours are free.
Located in San Angelo, Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue is the largest donkey rescue in the United States, with over 16,000 rescued donkeys in 20 years of labor.
You are more than welcome to book a tour at the main facility, a 172-acre ranch that is home to over 1,000 donkeys at any given time.
Narcity spoke with Michele Halfmann, who is in charge of the tours at the ranch. She explains that they usually receive people Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon.
"We like people to call or email in advance that helps us be prepared for the tour," said Halfmann.
If you ultimately can't do the tour right now or soon, be sure to save this article and plan for later, but try not to miss this truly unique experience.
Halfmann said to Narcity that people are more than welcome to "hang out with and pet the donkeys if they would like."
They have burros of all sizes, shapes, colors, and conditions. Their main goal is to provide a safe and loving environment for these sweet animals.
It doesn't matter if some of them need some extra care — no donkeys will be rejected.
To help them, they have several initiatives like The Wild Burro Project, Project Sanctuary, or Donkey Rescue International, among many more.
They also offer much-needed rescue and adoption services.
Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue was proudly counted among the CNN Heroes for 2019.
In the video, the founder of the initiative, Mark Meyers, explains that they love all of their donkeys, but that their best ambassadors are the little ones.
"Miniature donkeys are permanent residents, and they are therapy animals; they work with disabled children, the elderly, they are extremely social, very friendly," said the founder.
During your tour, you'll have an encounter with burros of all sizes, including the minis (they are the size of a big dog), and if you're in luck, with some baby ones as well.
If you love the work that they do and want to support the animals, you can consider donating.
Peace Valley Donkey Rescue
Price: Free
Address: 8317 Duckworth Rd., San Angelo, TX
Why You Need To Go: Cuddle and hug donkeys from all sizes, shapes, and colors at this Texas ranch that offers free tours.
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