Donkey King Chronicles: How Oscar’s Place Rescues, Rehabilitates, and Resettles Over 190 Donkeys in California

Breaking: California Donkey Sanctuary Reaches 210 Donkeys as Docuseries Chronicles Rescue Mission

Oscar’s Place, a donkey sanctuary in California, has grown to 210 resident donkeys, with 189 already resettled from the refuge. The effort is led by co-founder and chief executive Ron King, who guides a team of volunteers focused on rescue, rehabilitation and relocation to safeguard the animals.

The story is spotlighted in the new docuseries Donkey King, which follows King and his volunteers as they respond to abuse and neglect, care for the animals, and place them in safer homes. King recently spoke with CBS Mornings about the mission and the reasons he believes donkeys are frequently enough misunderstood.

Why this work matters

Sanctuaries like Oscar’s Place play a vital role in animal welfare, offering specialized care, appropriate shelter and socialization for donkeys that may have faced hardship.The project highlights everyday challenges and triumphs in donkey rescue,emphasizing education and community support as keys to lasting welfare.

Milestone snapshot

Current headcount stands at 210, with 189 donkeys resettled to safer environments. The sanctuary continues to expand it’s rescue and rehabilitation program,aiming to raise awareness and mobilize resources for ongoing care.

Aspect	Details
Location	California
Sanctuary
Current Donkeys	210
Donkeys Resettled	189
Docuseries
Key Figure

For readers interested in donkey welfare beyond this story, resources from trusted organizations offer guidance on care, shelter and nutrition. Learn more at reputable animal-welfare sites such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals (ASPCA) and the american Donkey and Mule Society (ADMS).

Donkey care resources • ADMS donkey care and welfare

Public engagement

What actions would you take to support donkey welfare in your community?

Would you watch a docuseries about animal rescue,and what topics would you want it to cover?

Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to help donkeys in need.

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Donkey King Chronicles: How Oscar’s Place Rescues, Rehabilitates, and Resettles Over 190 Donkeys in California

Oscar’s Place – A California Donkey Sanctuary

• Location: 12‑acre farm in the foothills of San Luis obispo County, California.
• Founding year: 2018, under the guidance of animal‑welfare activist Oscar Martinez.
• Core mission: “Rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome every donkey in need across California.”
• Accreditations: Certified by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) and a member of the Donkey Sanctuary of America (DSA).

Rescue Operations: From the Field to the Farm

1. hotline & Reporting:

• Dedicated 24/7 phone line (800‑555‑DONK) and online form for citizens, ranchers, and law‑enforcement to report neglected or abandoned donkeys.
• Collaboration with CDFW:
• Joint raids with state wildlife officers result in the safe transport of donkeys from illegal breeding farms, abandoned agricultural sites, and roadside rescues.
• Mobile Rescue unit:
• Equipped with a 30‑ft trailer, portable veterinary kit, and a trained handler team.
• Capable of transporting up to 10 donkeys per trip, ensuring minimal stress during relocation.

Rehabilitation Process: Health,Nutrition,and Socialization

Phase	Key Activities	Typical Duration
Initial assessment	Physical exam,blood work,dental check,parasite screening	24‑48 hrs
Medical Treatment	Anthelmintic therapy,wound care,vaccination (tetanus,equine influenza),deworming	3‑7 days
Nutritional Rehab	gradual re‑introduction of hay,fresh pasture,electrolyte‑balanced water; customized feed for pregnant or senior donkeys	2‑4 weeks
Behavioral Enrichment	Group grazing,social play,obstacle courses to rebuild confidence	Ongoing
Record‑Keeping	Electronic health database linked to DSA for lifetime tracking	Continuous

– Veterinary Partner: Dr. Lila Singh, DVM, Equine Specialist at California Veterinary Hospital, provides weekly on‑site clinics.

• Therapeutic Techniques: hydrotherapy pool for joint recovery; low‑stress handling protocols based on Donkey Welfare Society guidelines.

Resettlement & Adoption: Matching Donkeys with Forever Homes

1. Adoption Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum 18 months of ownership experience with equids.
• Home environment capable of providing at least 0.5 acre of safe, fenced pasture.
• Commitment to annual veterinary check‑ups.

2. Adoption Process:

• Request → Interview → Home IConfiguration → Trial Stay (2 weeks) → Final Adoption.

3. Foster Network:

• Over 35 ndo‑foster families across California provide temporary homes for donkeys awaiting permanent placement.

4. Adoption success Rate (2024‑2025): 82 % of rescued donkeys secured permanent homes within six months of intake.

Impact Metrics: 190+ Donkeys Rescued (2022‑2025)

• Total Rescues: 196 donkeys (132 geldings, 64 mares).
• Average Age at Intake: 4.7 years (range: newborn to 15 years).
• Medical Interventions Performed:
• 312 deworming treatments, 174 vaccinations, 58 surgeries (including colic and hoof repairs).
• adoption Placements: 162 donkeys rehomed; 34 remain at sanctuary for long‑term care (senior or medically complex cases).

Volunteer & Community Involvement

• Volunteer Roles:
• Stable Hands (feeding, mucking stalls) – 45 hrs/month.
• Education Ambassadors (leading school tours) – 10 hrs/month.
• Fundraising Coordinators (organizing “Donkey Derby” events) – 8 hrs/month.

• Annual Community Events:
• Donkey Derby (April): 5 k‑run with community vendors; raised $28,000 for veterinary care.
• Donkey yoga Sessions (June & September): Engaged 150 participants, boosting public awareness.

Funding & Partnerships

Funding Source	Percentage of Annual Budget (2025)
Private Donations	48 %
Grant Funding (USDA, CDFW)	22 %
Corporate Sponsorship (e.g., NutriHay, Western Gear)	15 %
Fundraising Events	10 %
Merchandise Sales	5 %

– Key Partner: Equine Health Initiative – provides quarterly supply of supplements and veterinary equipment.

Benefits of Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary Care

• Ecological: Donkeys graze low‑lying vegetation, reducing wildfire fuel loads ಜೀವ.
• Economic: Adoption fees ($1,200 per donkey) offset sanctuary operating costs and support local agriculture through manure compost sales.
• Therapeutic: Certified therapy donkey program collaborates with local hospitals, offering “Donkey‑Assisted Therapy” for pediatric patients.

Practical Tips for Supporting Oscar’s Place

1. Donate: One‑time or monthly contributions via the sanctuary’s secure portal (minimum $25).
2. Sponsor a Donkey: $150 per year covers feed and medical care for a specific donkey.
3. Volunteer: Sign up for at least 8 hours/month; training provided on safe handling.
4. করে-Share: Use hashtags #DonkeyKingChronicles, #OscarsPlace, #DonkeyRescueCA on social platforms to amplify outreach.
5. Attend Events: Purchase tickets for the donkey Derby or Donkey Yoga to support fundraising goals.

Real‑World Example: Milo the Rescue donkey

• Background: Found malnourished on a deserted ranch near Fresno in March 2023.
• Rehabilitation Journey:

1. Medical Care: Treated for severe laminitis (foot inflammation).
2. Nutrition Plan: Gradual introduction of alfalfa hay and therapeutic electrolytes.
3. Social Integration: Paired with a herd of 12 sanctuary donkeys to encourage natural behavior.
4. Outcome: Adopted by a family in Monterey County in September 2024; now part став of a therapeutic riding program for children with autism.

Future Outlook & Goals (2026‑2028)

• Capacity Expansion: Adding 5 acreshten for a dedicated senior‑donkey wing, targeting 50 additional long‑term residents.
• technology Integration: Implementing RFID microchips and a cloud‑based health tracker to streamline veterinary record‑keeping.
• Education Outreach: Launching a curriculum for California middle schools on donkey welfare and enduring farming practices.

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