About this Event
The Donkey Experience
Meet. Connect. Walk. Discover.
Exclusive Private Sanctuary Experience | $325 for up to 4 Guests | Approximately 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Slow down, unplug, and discover the quiet joy of spending time with one of our rescued donkeys.
The Donkey Experience offers a rare opportunity to build a genuine connection with these remarkable animals while supporting their lifelong care at Virginia Farm Animal Sanctuary. Every visit is unhurried, educational, and thoughtfully designed around the comfort and well-being of our donkeys.
Your visit begins with a relaxed introduction to your donkey. You'll spend time grooming them, learning about their unique personality, hearing their rescue story, and discovering how donkeys communicate, build trust, and form lasting relationships with both people and other donkeys.
Once you've had the opportunity to get acquainted, you'll enjoy a leisurely guided walk through the sanctuary with your donkey by your side. Along the way, we'll share fascinating insights into donkey behavior, answer your questions, and introduce you to some of the other rescued residents who call Virginia Farm Animal Sanctuary home. There will be plenty of opportunities for conversation, photographs, and simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
Every Experience Includes
- A private experience for up to four guests
- One donkey paired with each participant age 14 and older
- Grooming and bonding time before your walk
- A leisurely guided walk through the sanctuary
- Your donkey's rescue story and insights into donkey behavior and care
- Time for photographs and questions
- An opportunity to meet other sanctuary residents
Our Sanctuary Philosophy
Virginia Farm Animal Sanctuary is a sanctuary first. The health, happiness, and comfort of our animals always come before the guest experience.
Before each visit, our donkeys choose whether they'd like to participate that day. We carefully observe their personalities, preferences, and body language, pairing guests with donkeys that are relaxed, curious, and interested in joining the walk. If one of our regular walking companions decides they'd rather stay behind, we'll simply introduce you to another friendly donkey who is happy to share the experience.
Every donkey is an individual, and we believe respecting their choices is one of the things that makes this experience truly special.
Stay A While
After your Donkey Experience, you're invited to relax and enjoy the sanctuary grounds. Bring a picnic lunch, unwind, and spend a little extra time surrounded by rescued farm animals and the peaceful beauty of the sanctuary.
Important Information
- $325 per reservation (up to four guests).
- The guided walk covers approximately 2 miles over uneven terrain, including grass, gravel, and a few gentle hills.
- Participants should be comfortable walking on uneven ground for approximately 1 hour while leading a donkey.
- Participants walking a donkey must be at least 14 years old and physically able to safely lead a donkey.
- Children under 14 are welcome to accompany the experience but must be supervised by an adult who is not paired with a donkey.
- Closed-toe, closed-heel shoes are required. Long pants are recommended.
- Advance reservations are required.
- Experiences are scheduled on select dates. Start times vary by season and weather to ensure the comfort and well-being of both our guests and our donkeys.
- Walks may be rescheduled for severe weather or other conditions that could affect the safety or well-being of our guests or animals.
- VFAS staff reserve the right to assign or reassign donkeys or participants to ensure the safety, comfort, and enjoyment of both our guests and our animals.
Every reservation directly supports the lifelong care of the rescued farm animals who call Virginia Farm Animal Sanctuary home. Your visit helps provide nutritious feed, veterinary care, farrier services, shelter, enrichment, and everything our residents need to live safe, healthy, and happy lives.
Whether you're a lifelong donkey lover or meeting one for the very first time, we hope you'll leave with more than wonderful photographs. We hope you'll leave with a deeper understanding of these extraordinary animals, a greater appreciation for the role sanctuaries play, and memories you'll cherish for years to come.
Ready to Meet Your Donkey?
Reserve your Private Donkey Experience today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Event venue & nearby stays
414 Stonewall Rd, 414 Stonewall Road, Concord, United States
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