Olive
Born: 2023
Breed: Donkey
Gender: Jenny
Color: Bay
IN REHABILITATION
Olive arrived at the MSSPA with her family – Kevin, Diane, Finn, and her young son, Yahtzee – after living with owners who loved them but lacked the knowledge and resources to provide the handling and care they needed.
When Olive arrived, the human world was still largely unfamiliar. Having had very little handling throughout her life, she preferred to keep her distance and let others do the investigating.
Today, Olive is slowly beginning to step beyond that comfort zone.
While still shy and cautious, she is showing signs of curiosity and growing confidence. She has successfully had her hooves trimmed and handled the experience better than anyone could have hoped. Each positive interaction helps her learn that people can be predictable, patient, and kind.
There are still challenges ahead. We are continuing to help Olive feel safe with veterinary care so she can receive the routine medical attention every donkey deserves. Like many of the animals who come to us, her journey is not about rushing toward a finish line – it’s about building trust, one experience at a time.
Olive may not be the first donkey to greet visitors at the fence, but if you take the time to notice her, you’ll see her curiosity quietly emerging. And that’s a beautiful thing to watch.