Palo Alto Donkey Park / Barron Park Donkeys 🐴💚

This is a post seven years in the making. A colleague first told me about this special “donkey park” seven years ago, but I kept putting it off… until recently. Sadly, I learned that Perry—the park’s most famous donkey and the real-life inspiration for Donkey in Shrek—had passed away just one week before my visit. The park even held a memorial service for him. 🕊️ Perry suffered from laminitis (an incurable hoof disease), so in a way, it was perhaps his time to rest. Currently, two donkeys live in the park: Buddy and April. April is the park’s first female donkey 🐴, with beautiful white fur resulting from a condition called “white line disease.” This place is truly hidden—I almost thought I was lost! But after walking through a narrow path between two houses, I entered a peaceful, shaded backyard oasis. On one side is Gunn High School, and on the other is Bol Park. A display board by the fence shares the history of the donkeys who’ve lived here since the 1950s. Feeding time is at 5 PM daily (4 PM in winter). The donkeys are very friendly—as soon as my kid and I approached, they walked slowly toward us, asking for pets. I have to admit I was a little nervous, so I gently touched their heads, while my child was absolutely thrilled! When we started to leave, they began braying loudly 😂… A passing couple laughed and said, “You made them talk!” I couldn’t help but feel bad, so we stayed a bit longer and even took some photos together. They definitely know how to pose for the camera! 📸 Besides the donkey area, there’s a small bridge leading to a picnic spot and a children’s playground—a perfect place for family weekends or relaxing with friends. The whole area is quiet and full of warmth. 🌳🧺 Tips: 📍 3590 Laguna Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94306 (you can navigate directly here) Every Sunday from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, volunteers walk the donkeys around Bol Park—a great time to interact with them! Feeding time is at 5:00 PM on Sundays (4:00 PM in winter). ⚠️ Please do NOT feed the donkeys! They have a special diet, and sugary foods like fruits, carrots, or grass can harm them. #BayAreaKids #BayAreaLife #BayAreaHiking #PaloAltoParks #DonkeyLove #HiddenGems #FamilyFriendly #NatureWalk #CommunitySpirit #ShrekInRealLife