APRIL 2026
Viejo, Miranda & Josh
How You Can Help
Viejo and Miranda’s Story
Viejo and Ron share a bond unlike any other. When the first big rescue group arrived at Oscar’s Place in January 2021, Viejo was the first donkey to step off the trailer. Without hesitation, he walked straight up to Ron and rested his head on Ron’s chest. From that moment, they became inseparable.
It’s hard to imagine how Viejo ended up at an auction. He is fully trained, walks perfectly on a halter and lead rope, and loves being around humans. It’s clear he once came from a loving home, where he was cherished and taught to trust people. Perhaps his owner passed away or could no longer care for him, and the auction system became his unexpected and frightening detour.
Now, Viejo thrives at Oscar’s Place. When staff and volunteers enter the pasture, he is right there, walking alongside them every step of the way. He’s one of the few donkeys who truly understands hugs, intentionally giving and receiving them, spreading warmth to everyone he meets.
He will live out his life at Oscar’s Place, helping to train other donkeys and spreading love to every human he meets.
Little Miranda was born in June 2025 to her mom, Zoey, and has two older sisters, Chloe and Ophelia. Growing up at Oscar’s Place, Miranda has never known fear—she thinks people are the best thing in the world.
She spends her days napping, playing, and hanging out with her family, and soaking up love. Full of curiosity and joy, Miranda is thriving alongside her sisters and mom.
Change the Life of a Donkey in Need
About the Photographer:
Johanna Siegmann is an internationally award-winning portrait and architecture photographer, specializing in photographing people with their pets. A collection of her unique images, which capture the relationship between humans and animals, has been published as In Good Company (Notable People with their Pets), available online and via special order from your local bookstore. Johanna believes in giving back to the community, and a portion of the proceeds from the book are going to charity. She has donated her time and talent to Oscar’s Place for this calendar project.
About Oscar's Place:
Oscar’s Place is a donkey adoption center and sanctuary in Northern California. We rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome donkeys otherwise destined for slaughter.
Millions of donkeys are killed for the collagen in their hides, used in traditional medicine and cosmetics. Unwanted donkeys are often sent to auctions where kill pen buyers are waiting. If we don’t step in first, they face a horrible fate.
Once rescued, staff and volunteers help each rescued donkey heal. Some donkeys find a loving forever home, and others enjoy lifelong care in our safe haven. Since 2021, we’ve saved 435+ donkeys and facilitated 175+ adoptions. Join us in creating a better world for donkeys.