About Us
Why Us? Why Donkeys?
Donkeys are amazing, loving, creatures that touch the soul. They are gentle and loyal by nature. They stir in you that parental need to protect and care for them. Donkeys are generally purchased or adopted by well-meaning people who intend to care for their equine pets with love and in a responsible manner. Unfortunately, they often enter this relationship unaware that they will be responsible for the health and safety of their donkey for up to 50 years. They also are generally unaware of the special requirements for these desert creatures and tend to regard them as horses from a care perspective.
An Old Problem
An increase in demand for donkeys, particularly miniature donkeys, in the mid to late 1990’s resulted in a significant increase in the number of breeders as well as the number of donkeys being produced. Donkeys were purchased in multiples by novice owners and initially the breeders, for the most part, were particular about who they sold to. They checked references and sold only to those whom they believed would provide good homes for the donkeys. As the novelty of owning a donkey wore off, breeding continued. Many overstocked breeders began to sell to unsuitable owners who were ill-prepared to care for their purchases. To this day, even with young donkeys needing new homes, irresponsible breeders continue to flood the market. Most of the responsible breeders who stopped producing donkeys when the market decreased are now faced with the problem of finding a home for their own breeding stock as their own age and health prevents them from caring for these donkeys. The slippery slope from a well cared for, much loved donkey to one that is in an abusive situation begins when the owner cannot/will not continue to be responsible for their donkey companion’s physical and mental health. Irresponsible owners merely stop giving proper care and the donkey suffers greatly until he is either rescued or perishes.
The Inevitable
Responsible owners try very hard to find new homes for their donkeys. Unfortunately, re-homing donkeys, particularly senior donkeys, is difficult, so our aging, responsible donkey owners have few options when they can no longer care for their beloved long-ears. These donkeys are sometimes purchased or adopted by well-meaning new owners who are unaware of the work and responsible behavior required to care for these desert creatures. For those who are not re-homed, there are only two other options – humane ending of their lives or sale at an auction (which seldom works to the donkey’s benefit or chance of longevity). That leaves the Turtle Valley Donkey Refuge. Requests to surrender donkeys to our care has increased significantly. In addition to receiving requests to take in singles or pairs of donkeys, we now are asked to provide refuge for as many as 8 at a time. One rescue resulted in the transport of 15 miniatures to the Refuge. Add the donkeys that need to be rescued from neglectful and abusive situations and it is easy to understand why we appreciate the public’s support to care for our long ears.
Humans Need Help Too
Sometimes we are rescuing the donkeys. And sometimes we are rescuing the owners who, due to age or health-related issues, or the loss of a spouse, or financial distress, can no longer care for their pets. It is not for us to judge.
Conclusion
Our Key Humans
Keeping the donkeys healthy and safe requires a deep commitment from the key people involved in their care. This includes the Founders of the Refuge, Our Staff and Management, Our Volunteers, Our Board of Directors and of course, our financial supporters who make the operation of this Refuge possible.
Our Founders
Shirley Mainprize and Robert Miller began their journey with donkeys when they purchased little Maximo and received his mother Maria as a gift. Their commitment to the rescue and care of donkeys has never wavered as they lead by example. Although Shirley passed away in early 2025, her legacy lives on. Rob continues to provide a safe and comfortable home for the donkeys, and along with staff, board members and volunteers, the Refuge continues to take on donkeys & mules who are in need. Through Rob’s commitment to behavioral re-training, farm and staff management, public relations, liaison with the community at large and donkey owners in particular, he continues to build the outreach of the Refuge for the benefit of all Donkeys & Mules. Shirley’s wish was to help educate and foster wider understanding to ensure better lives for Donkeys and Mules, who are so often misunderstood. The Refuge continues Shirley’s legacy of care & comfort for Donkeys and Mules in need through education of the public regarding donkey welfare during our visitor season, through our newsletters, and by providing educational materials, and links to existing resources for wide distribution.
Our Amazing Staff
Our team of strong, loyal and dedicated barn & office staff make sure that our donkeys & mules have a safe and healthy environment.
Our Volunteers
A special thank you to our small but committed team of volunteers. They groom and walk donkeys, clean barns, and work hard at our fundraising events.
Our Donors
Hundreds of financial supporters and advocates who, through their generosity, ensure that we are able to continue to help donkeys in distress.
Our Board of Directors
The Refuge appreciates the support of our Board of Directors who have stepped forward to help with the success of our efforts.
- Robert Miller – President/Co-Founder
- Kris Tomson – Vice-President
- Lisa Marshall – Secretary
- Bridget Ady – Treasurer
- Renee Prociw – Board Member
- Tanya Hamelock – Board Member
- Ellen Hammer – Board Member
Special Advisor to the Board
Leanne Rutley, Associate Lawyer, Nixon Wenger LLP Lawyers, Vernon BC
