About Hoosier Donkey rescue & sanctuary
A safe haven for forgotten long ears — built on compassion, dignity, and second chances.
Our Mission
Our mission is to rescue donkeys from situations of neglect, abuse, abandonment, owner surrender, auctions, and uncertainty, and provide them with compassionate care, rehabilitation, and lifelong safety.
rescue
rehabilitate
educate
why donkeys?
Donkeys are some of the most misunderstood animals in the world — often labeled as stubborn, simple, or unremarkable. But anyone who has truly spent time with them knows a very different story.
Donkeys are thoughtful, gentle, deeply loyal, and quietly brave. Where a horse may react first and think later, a donkey pauses. They observe. They assess. What some call “stubbornness” is actually intelligence and self-preservation. It’s the instinct that has helped them survive harsh environments for thousands of years — and the same instinct that allows them to form strong, lasting bonds with the humans and animals they learn to trust.
Their long ears are more than just adorable. They help them hear danger from miles away, regulate body temperature in the heat, and, for many of us, instantly melt our hearts. Those ears seem to listen not just to sounds, but to emotions. Donkeys notice when you’re hurting. They stand quietly beside you. They lean in. They wait.
Each donkey has a personality as unique as a fingerprint. Some are playful and mischievous. Some are shy and cautious. Some crave affection. Others simply want peaceful companionship. All of them remember kindness — and they remember cruelty too.
Sadly, this sensitivity is also why donkeys so often suffer. They are strong enough to work, quiet enough not to complain, and loyal enough to endure far more than they should. Too many are discarded when they grow old, become injured, or are no longer “useful.”
At Hoosier Donkey Rescue & Sanctuary, we exist to change that story. We believe every long-eared soul deserves safety, dignity, proper care, and a life free from fear.
our values
compassioN
Every donkey is treated with gentleness, patience, & respect. Most have experienced neglect, fear, or hardship. We take the time to earn their trust & provide care that supports both their physical & emotional needs.
safety
Physical and emotional safety always come before convenience or cost. From secure fencing and proper shelter to careful handling and veterinary care, we make decisions based on what is best for each donkey’s long‑term health and comfort.
dignity
A donkey’s worth does not change with age, injury, or special needs. Whether young or old, healthy or recovering, adoptable or sanctuary‑only, every donkey is valued and treated with kindness and respect.
education
We work to change how donkeys are treated through outreach, farm visits, social media, and community partnerships. By sharing knowledge and leading by example, we help raise the standard of care for donkeys everywhere.
join our journey
Whether you sponsor a donkey, adopt, volunteer, visit the farm, or simply share our mission, you become part of each donkey’s second chance.
We invite you to walk beside us, learn their stories, and fall in love with the long ears who change lives — including our own — every single day.
Whether you sponsor a donkey, adopt, volunteer, or share our mission, you become part of each donkey’s second chance.