Our residents
Welcome to the heart of Donkeys of Pahrump—our beloved residents. Here, you'll meet the donkeys, ponies, mini horses, and horses who call the rescue home. Each one has a unique story and personality, and all have found safety, care, and a second chance at life. Take a moment to get to know them—you’ll see why they’re the soul of everything we do.
Bella
About eight months after we started, a local family reached out—they were moving and couldn’t take their donkey with them. When we arrived, we met their sweet jenny, simply called “Donkey.” She let us pet her but wouldn’t let anyone near her feet.
What we didn’t realize was that she was deeply bonded with a blind horse. We agreed to take them both.
Once at the sanctuary, everything shifted. Surrounded by other donkeys for the first time, Donkey lit up—running, playing, and stirring up a little trouble. She drifted away from the horse she'd once been so attached to.
Eventually, we gave her a proper name: Bella. She wasn’t used to much human contact, so grooming and hoof care were tough at first. But over time, Bella’s bold, quirky spirit won over the volunteers—she’s now one of the sanctuary’s most beloved characters.
Boax
About six months after founding Donkeys of Pahrump, we were contacted by a woman facing congestive heart failure who could no longer care for her beloved animals. She asked us to take in her three seniors: Boax, a Welsh pony; Faith, a miniature pony; and Jax, a miniature donkey.
Though caring for three elderly animals was a financial stretch for our young animal organization, we couldn’t say no. Their need became our mission.
Boax has laminitis, a painful hoof condition that requires constant management and a strict, low-sugar diet. Without it, the damage could be life-threatening. He and Faith are deeply bonded. Boax is our affectionate foodie—he loves to eat and will rest his head under your chin for cuddles.
Supporting these three has tested our resources but also strengthened our commitment. They remind us daily why this work matters—every animal deserves a second chance.
Daisy
In 2023, following a large BLM roundup that removed over 100 donkeys and several wild horses from Pahrump, our family saw an opportunity to help. With one empty acre next to the Death Valley Marketplace, we decided to adopt a few donkeys to give them a safe home and help visitors connect with these incredible animals.
Our first arrivals were Daisy and Peaches —two six-month-old donkeys adopted from the BLM holding facility in Ridgecrest, California. They’ve been inseparable ever since.
Though bonded, they’re very different. Daisy is the gentle alpha of the herd, a kind and caring leader who adores her friends and greets visitors warmly. You’ll know her by her soft gray coat, striped legs, and the extra fluffy fur on her tummy and ears.
Faith
Faith is a 25-year-old miniature pony who arrived with her companions Boax and Jax. She has Cushing’s disease, a hormonal condition that requires daily medication to manage symptoms like heavy breathing, excessive sweating, and trouble shedding—leaving her with a thick, woolly coat year-round.
Faith isn’t particularly affectionate and prefers her own space. While we don’t know much about her past, it’s clear she values quiet and the gentle presence of other animals over human interaction. At Donkeys of Pahrump, she’ll live out her days peacefully, just the way she likes it—safe, respected, and on her own terms.
Jax
Jax is our only miniature donkey—and at nearly 100 in human years, he’s truly one of a kind. With just four misaligned teeth left, he’s on a special diet of soaked pellets and soft foods to keep him healthy and comfortable.
We believe Jax was once a house pet, and he still acts like one. He confidently roams indoors, checking out every room like it’s his own. Loved by all our volunteers, Jax is known for trailing behind people wherever they go, his gentle presence impossible to resist. He’ll live out his golden years here, safe and cherished at Donkeys of Pahrump.
Kay was an unexpected addition to our organization, arriving alongside her donkey friend, Bella. But once they settled in, Bella quickly bonded with the other donkeys and left Kay behind.
It became clear that Kay, a blind Appoloosa, needed connection and care—so we stepped in to give her just that. With time, she blossomed into a gentle, graceful soul who now enjoys meeting visitors and soaking up affection.
Kay has become a calm, majestic presence at Donkeys of Pahrump, and we’re so thankful she found her way to us.
Kay
Peaches
Donkeys are herd animals who need companionship to thrive—that’s why we brought Daisy and Peaches to Pahrump together. This bonded pair is inseparable, and their friendship is at the heart of our organization.
Peaches is the gentler of the two—shy, sweet, and always close to Daisy’s side. She loves being brushed and petted, and while she’s calm most of the time, she’ll fiercely protect her best friend when needed. Peaches is two years old and came from the BLM facility in Ridgecrest, California. Her early experience with people made her incredibly tame and a favorite among visitors.
Slightly sleeker and mostly brown, Peaches is a permanent resident here. If you visit, you’ll likely meet her first—always by Daisy’s side, showing us all what true friendship looks like.
