Come On In

A California woman’s ranch doubles as a donkey rescue.

Wilber stole Staci Greene’s heart years ago. The donkey was a gift that left quite an impression. “He was so much like a big dog,” Staci says. “I was in love with him and will never forget him.” Years later, Staci began taking in donkeys and mules on her ranch in Ramona, California. She named her venture Hee Haw Place Donkey Rescue. The animals came to her through word of mouth, auctions and the Humane Society.

Hee Haw Place has housed as many as 13 animals at one time, but thanks to Staci’s success in finding qualified people to adopt them, she now only owns six—two donkeys, two mules and two horses.

She ensures the new homes are suitable for the animals and that prospective owners are sincere in their desire to add a donkey to their families. If an adoption doesn’t work out, Staci always welcomes the animal back to her ranch.

Donkeys require minimal care, she says. They need a large pasture for roaming and grazing, and their hooves need trimming several times a year.

“These are working animals, and they need jobs,” Staci says. “When I see a donkey just standing, it breaks my heart.”

Staci trains her donkeys for riding and for pulling a cart or wagon. Then she helps them find forever homes where they can work and enjoy life.

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Staci Greene treats Poppy (left), a mule, and Buddy, a donkey, to a tasty snack.