West Texas is known for its heat, it’s oil, and…..yeah that’s about it. Yes its got ridiculous heat, and more oil derricks than you have ever seen in your whole life, but it is also home to a couple hundred donkeys. More like a THOUSAND donkeys!
Tucked back in the boonies of San Angelo is the beautiful Peaceful Valley Donkey Ranch! This is one of west Texas’s hidden gems that nobody knows about! This is also the best thing to do in San Angelo!
I know that sounds crazy cause San Angelo is a canvas of art, home of a small herd of buffalo, decorated with gardens, and a foodies heaven. I am serious though, this is a must see in San Angelo, Texas! This donkey rescue is a fun, family friendly, ranch that will make you smile and warm your heart. It may or may not make you really want a donkey too!
What is Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue?
In 2008, the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue settled its headquarters in west Texas’s San Angelo. It has been a rescue and rehabilitation facility ever since. Working with the BLM, these donkeys have been brought in with all sorts of conditions, abuse, sicknesses, and problems.
This wonderful facility heals these animals, socializes, them and gives them wonderful homes so they can have a better life. It is really a wonderful program!
How do I book a tour?
Tours are by appointment only! The tours are guided and so in order to even visit the farm you have to have an appointment at least 24 hours in advance. The facility is open Monday-Saturday, 9am-3pm.
To schedule call (866) 366-5731.
Website: https://donkeyrescue.org/
Price: FREE
Location:
What do you do on the donkey tour?
These donkey tours are tours of the facility and its grounds. You will get to socialize and interact with the animals as well as learn about them and the mission of the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. You will be walking for a small portion, but for a good portion of the tour you will be driven around on a golf cart.
No you will not be feeding them, no there is no riding them, but there is a lot of petting and loving allowed! Here are some of the stops on your tour:
Visit the Minis-
First stop is to pet the adorable little miniature donkeys! Once they see you, they rush over to the fence to get as much lovin as they can. Did I mention that they are ADORABLE!? Hence the reason there is a waitlist to adopt these little ones!
Cows and Mules-
Ever wanted to pet a cow, well here’s your chance! She loves being pet! Also check out the enormous mule! This is no ordinary mule! This mule is part Percheron Draft Horse and part donkey and it is huge!!
Meet the donkeys ready for their new homes-
Once the donkey’s have been rehabilitated and healed they are ready to meet their forever families in their new homes. These sweet donkeys are looking for nothing but love and a lot of petting! At this part of the tour you get up close and have a ton of donkey interaction! Prepare your heart to fall in love with these hooved, fluffy critters!
Ooh and Aww as you watch a THOUSAND donkeys run around-
The next part of this tour is to drive around and see the facility at work. Learn about the history of the rescue and its operations. We got to drive around the different paddocks and fields to see the THOUSAND of donkeys that were on the property. It was amazing to see so many donkeys in one place!
Visit with the oldest and newest residents-
Stop by and visit the oldest donkeys on the property. These sweet, old, grumps have their own paddocks just for them. Also visit the donkey maternity ward! The majority of the females that are brought to the property are pregnant and so there are quite a few babies to visit with. They are way too cute, just warning you!
FUN FACT:
Betty White made donations to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, so when she died the sanctuary named one of their newest born baby donkey’s after her. So world meet, Betty White!
Wave at the other farm animals-
This rescue is also home to a couple pigs, a couple turkeys, and a couple goats; so be sure to check them out before ending the tour.
Buy a souvenir in the donkey gift shop-
End your tour at the donkey gift shop to get yourself a donkey souvenir to remember this wonderful adventure!
FAQ’S:
- Is this a kid friendly tour? YES! I brought my 3 little kids here and they loved it! I have a 4 year old, 2 year old, and 1 year old and they enjoyed it very much. The donkeys are super sweet and gentle. They will nibble, so teach your little ones to watch their fingers.
- Can I pet the donkeys? YES! The tour offers plenty of donkey lovin time for you to pet and take pictures with the donkeys.
- Can I feed the donkeys? NO! Sorry, but a lot of these donkeys come from different situations that do not always allow them to eat normally. To play it safe feeding the donkeys is not a public option.
- Can I adopt a donkey? YES! Please help these beautiful donkeys that have been through so much, find their forever homes. Check out the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue website for more information about adoptions.
- How much does the tour cost? Its FREE! Yep, you heard me right! This is a free tour to education and inform, but also help people see how wonderful donkeys are!
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