Donkeys + Mules

Hope & Serenity Farm Sanctuary is home to numerous donkeys and mules who have been rescued from kill lots, where they were in danger of being sent to slaughter. These gentle and resilient creatures have found a safe and loving refuge at our sanctuary, where they are free to roam, play, and receive the care they deserve. Each of these animals has a unique story of survival and hope, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to provide them with a forever home filled with compassion and kindness.

  • Standard Donkey, Age Unknown

    Charity was rescued with her 5-month-old baby from a kill lot. Sadly, the baby did not make it the first 48 hours due to a disease contracted from the lot. It took us over a year to gain her trust but Charity is a very loving donkey. She will come up to anyone who has carrots!

    Sponsored by Lisa Lee

  • Breed and age unknown

    Pearl was rescued from a kill lot. When she first arrived, she seemed very shy and hurried away when approached by people. Well, we now know why; Pearl was pregnant! She surprised the farm with a brand-new baby, Opal. Pearl is no longer shy but it took almost a year for her to trust us. She prefers people to approach her calmly and slowly.

  • Breed Unknown, b. 2014

    Arthur was rescued from a kill lot with Autumn. Arthur has one of the best personalities you will see in a donkey. When he sees food, he will run toward it, letting out the cutest donkey bray you will ever hear. Sadly, we have discovered that Arthur becomes aggressive when the female donkeys are in heat so we had to relocate him to the horse herd where they can teach him his place a little better. He is doing very well with the horses.

    Sponsored by Liza Merritt and Jon Drake

  • Miniature Sicilian Donkey

    Born 1998
    Rescued 2012

    Maggie is an intelligent senior who knows how to get things done and use her time efficiently. Maggie has a daughter, Fiona, who also lives at H&S. Renee got her from an auction not knowing she was pregnant. She was Renee’s first donkey.

    Sponsored by Karen Forster

  • Rescued 2024

    We rescued James, Gillian, and Thaddeus from a kill lot in 2024. We will need to let them settle in before we learn their personalities.

    Sponsored by William and Claudette Warner

  • Rescue breed, Age Unknown

    Delilah came to us very feral and very protective of her baby, Violet. She and Violet had been part of a feral donkey herd before coming to H&S. We boarded her for a sick woman who rescued Delilah with the help of Renee. Their owner eventually moved and surrendered them to us. Although it has been years since she gave birth to Violet, Delilah still cares very deeply for her and they are rarely apart. Due to her feral upbringing, it took her over a year to bond with us. However, she will always approach you for treats!

    Sponsored by Delora Stoffa

  • b. Aug 2022

    Opal was unexpected but wonderful surprise. She is Pearl’s baby and is an albino, which is rare to see in donkeys. She is a very happy and sweet-natured donkey. She loves to explore and is always moving, whether she’s running, skipping or prancing.

    Sponsored by Danielle Werthmann

  • Jasper

    Miniature Sicilian Donkey, Age Unknown

    Jasper was rescued from a bad situation in which he was feral and arrived very scared of people. We had to keep him confined to a stall when he first came because he would not let us catch him. Jackson (our horse) befriended Jasper and kept letting him out of the stall. They were best friends for many years until Jasper fell in love with Maggie and Fiona. Like Delilah, he is very sweet but does not always want to be touched. He will always accept treats though!

    Sponsored by Lea Morrissey and Lisa Holm

  • Miniature Sicilian Donkey
    Born May 2013

    Fiona was a surprise baby from Maggie as Renee did not know Maggie was pregnant when she rescued her. Fiona loves her mother, but possibly loves Renee more. She has to be involved in anything happening with the herd; if there is a gathering of donkeys, she will be right there with them. While friendly, Fiona does not give affection lightly and when she finally warms to you, she shows you by pushing you over with her head.

    Sponsored by Christina Rappa

  • Rescued 2024

    We rescued James, Gillian, and Thaddeus from a kill lot in 2024. We will need to let them settle in before we learn their personalities.

    Sponsored by Retha Jane Beidler

  • Mammoth X, b. 2019

    Delilah’s baby, Violet, now fully grown, is most likely a mammoth X (cross), meaning her father is most likely a mammoth cross but Delilah’s breed is unknown. Violet is curious to a fault and a playful young soul. She loves butt scratches, laying with the jolly ball, and wants the cats to be her best friends.

    Sponsored by Rita Lee

  • Breed unknown, Age 25+

    Autumn and Arthur were rescued from a kill lot. Initially, Autumn seemed absolutely terrified of people. It turns out however, that she had a skin condition which made it so she didn’t want to be touched. Once that was treated, Autumn absolutely loves to be touched. She is one of the best choices if you want to groom a donkey.

    Sponsored by Harpreet Dhnaoya and Kris Dilallo

  • Miniature Donkey, b. 1999

    Jewels is one of our smaller donkeys and has an old lady mentality. She finds it very funny to nudge and nibble everyone and thinks head butts are the proper way to greet people. Luckily, since she is so small, she doesn’t do any harm. She came with our horses, Fancy and Gabby when their owner had to sell all of her animals due to health reasons. She absolutely loves being groomed.

    Sponsored by Meighan O’Toole

  • b. 2021

    Jebediah is our newest rescued donkey. He is young and sweet but still a little shy around people. Megan discovered him at a livestock auction where he was being auctioned off as a jack, which is an unneutered male donkey. Jacks, like many male species of livestock, are considered undesirable. On top of being a jack, Jeb was so terrified of people he was virtually untouchable so no one wanted him. That’s when Hope & Serenity swooped in and scooped him up. After a vet inspection, it was determined that Jebediah is most likely neutered after all. After gently easing him into life at H&S, Jeb is gradually coming out of his shell.

    Sponsored by Karin Smith

  • Rescued 2024

    We rescued James, Gillian, and Thaddeus from a kill lot in 2024. We will need to let them settle in before we learn their personalities.

    Sponsored by Retha Jane Beidler and Abigail Powell