Our History

Mark and Amy Meyers started the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue as a backyard hobby over two decades ago. After purchasing their first donkey, Izzy, as a pet, the Meyers’ began to notice other donkeys in their community that were in various stages of abuse and neglect. Not knowing exactly what to do, Amy began buying up these donkeys, and Mark spent his evenings talking to the donkeys and fixing their various ailments. It was after the 25th donkey came into the Meyers’ home that they decided to open an actual Rescue so that they would be able to find safe, loving homes for their donkeys.

This simple gesture of love has turned into the largest rescue of its kind in the world. The Meyers’ still stay involved in the day to day operations of the Rescue but they also manage a large staff that ensure the well being of the over 3,000 donkeys under their direct care.

Under the Meyers’ direction, Peaceful Valley has grown to the largest rescue of its kind with facilities all across the United States.

Mark S. Meyers is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue. Mark is a professional photographer with dozens of his photographs published in national magazines, an award winning filmmaker, and an author. He has been featured both nationally and internationally in print news, television, radio, podcasts and appeared in National Geographic. Mark was honored to be a CNN Top Ten Hero.