FEBRUARY 2026
Roxanne, Babe & Sebastian
How You Can Help
Roxanne & Babe’s Story
Both Babe and Roxanne lost their mothers early in life but found comfort and care at Oscar’s Place.
Roxanne was only four days old when we had to rush her and her mom, Frances, to UC Davis after Frances suddenly fell ill. The veterinarians discovered a large internal mass that had ruptured from the stress of giving birth. Sadly, Frances did not survive, making Roxanne our first ever orphaned donkey. When she returned to Oscar’s Place, our team rallied around her. Staff and volunteers worked around the clock, taking turns for bottle feedings and care. Roxanne quickly became part of everyone’s hearts. She is now thriving, playful, confident, and full of personality. Though she has plenty of donkey friends, we sometimes think she prefers people most of all.
Babe’s was born in March 2024 to Sylvia, who had been rescued from an auction in rough shape alongside her sister Beatrice. Sylvia endured tremendous hardship before her rescue and battled a painful medical condition after giving birth. In July 2025, we had to say goodbye to her when her pain became too great. Babe lost her mom far too soon, but she found strength and comfort in her aunt Beatrice and cousin Kate. The three are inseparable, spending their days together soaking up the sun, playing, and receiving all the love they deserve.
Both Babe and Roxanne remind us every day of what resilience looks like. They have overcome tremendous loss and are now thriving, surrounded by love, joy, and trust.
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.