Our Residents

Our little herd of animals is our reason for being - they each have their own unique personalities that make life at our tiny ranchette worth living!

Norma Jean

Our sweet Norma is a 25 year old Sulcata Tortoise who has been with us for six years. She's very social and will always come out when she hears people hanging around. Her favorite snacks are chayote squash and bell peppers.

DID YOU KNOW? Sulcata tortoises are known for their impressive digging skills. They can excavate burrows over 30 feet long in their natural habitat to escape the heat and maintain a stable body temperature. These burrows also provide shelter to other animals, making the tortoises essential for their ecosystem.

SPONSOR NORMA JEAN FOR AS LITTLE AS $5

King Bubbles

Male sulfate tortoise with esophageal tube inserted

Bubbs came to us in December of 2022 from a very tragic and abusive situation. He was in rough shape, but thanks to the efforts of Amy Keeler and numerous vets, he was nursed back to health at Gentle Acres via an esophageal tube. We're so happy to report that he is back to health and eating normally again! We believe he is 22-24 years old.

DID YOU KNOW? Sulcata tortoises are among the longest-lived tortoise species, with lifespans ranging from 70 to over 100 years.

SPONSOR KING BUBBLES FOR AS LITTLE AS $5

Poppy Pig

Black and white KuneKune pig named Poppy

Poppy, along with her brother Stew, was our very first resident! She's been with us for over seven glorious years. She is a Kune Kune pig, and lives for ear scratches and watermelon. We lost Stewie last year to suspected heart failure, but she has become a very tolerant adopted sister to our potbelly pig, Templeton.

DID YOU KNOW? Kune Kune pigs are renowned for their docile and friendly nature, making them popular as pets or companion animals. They are highly social and enjoy the company of humans and other animals. The Kune Kune breed faced near extinction in the 1970s due to crossbreeding and changes in agricultural practices. Fortunately, a small group of dedicated breeders and conservationists worked together to save the breed from disappearing. Today, Kune Kune pigs are a rare breed that is still in need of conservation efforts to ensure their survival and genetic diversity.

SPONSOR POPPY PIG FOR AS LITTLE AS $5

Maple

Chestnut pony in a desert landscape

Our Maple girl is 5 years old and has come such a long way! From terrified of people to a dangerous degree to a sweet and brilliant horse, she's proof that patience and an animal-led philosophy can lead to success in understanding between people and animals.

DID YOU KNOW? Chestnut is a common color among many horse breeds, including Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and Quarter Horses. So until we perform a DNA test, we'll never know what breed Maple is!

SPONSOR MAPLE FOR AS LITTLE AS $5

Hazy Stone

Hazy lady is a lovely mare in her 20s. She's had many babies in her time and is now enjoying her retirement and adopted baby, Maple. She's been with us a little over 5 years. She has pelvic/hip issues, some blindness in one eye, and melanoma (common in greys) but is still every bit as clever and stubborn as any other horse.

DID YOU KNOW? Flea-bitten gray is a unique coloration in horses that is characterized by small brown or black speckles on a white or light gray coat, giving them a "freckled" appearance. Flea-bitten gray horses are born with a solid-colored coat, but as they age, their coat gradually turns gray and develops the speckles.

SPONSOR HAZY FOR AS LITTLE AS $5

Templeton

Templeton has a happier backstory than some of our other residents; he was very well loved and taken care of by his owner, and she brought him to Gentle Acres after helping out with our residents' care so that Templeton would have the company of other pigs and animals. He is a grumpy little man that enjoys complaining, grunting to himself, sleeping undisturbed, and people keeping their distance. Once you get through his walls though, he's a real sweetheart.

DID YOU KNOW? Pigs' tusks are constantly growing, even little pigs like Templeton. We have a wonderful farrier who trims their hooves as well as their tusks to prevent them from getting too sharp and from getting too large, which can cause discomfort. Though it's imperative for their wellbeing and health, the pigs do not like their spa days very much!

SPONSOR TEMPLETON FOR AS LITTLE AS $5

Meesh

Goat in the foreground of a desert landscape

Meesh is a Boer/Anglo-Nubian cross and is as sweet as can be! She absolutely loves people and kids, especially ones who give her neck rubs! She will often spontaneously produce milk, though she's never been pregnant, and loves to lay out under the creosote bushes.

DID YOU KNOW? Boer goats are highly intelligent and social animals, and they have been known to form strong bonds with their human handlers. They are also very curious and playful, and enjoy exploring their environment and interacting with other animals.

SPONSOR MEESH FOR AS LITTLE AS $5

Ula

Black and White goat

Ula is a spunky little Anglo-Nubian goat whose middle name is Mischief! She loves escaping, eating anything she isn't supposed to, and head butting. We love her!

DID YOU KNOW? Nubian goats are highly adaptable and can thrive in a wide range of climates and environments. They are known for their hardiness and ability to withstand both hot and cold temperatures.

SPONSOR ULA FOR AS LITTLE AS $5

Violet

Violet is a 9 year old orchid corn snake, her unique colors make her special, but it's her sweet and patient demeanor that make her a favorite among visitors. She's curious and active and loves hiding out in pockets and sleeves.

DID YOU KNOW? Corn snakes are popular as pets due to their docile nature and attractive colors and patterns. They are also relatively easy to care for and can live for up to 20 years in captivity.

The Coop

Chickens gather around a grazing pig

We have a little flock of chickens that love to hang around anyone who is eating! Keeping them safe from birds of prey and the harsh weather is always a challenge, and our goal for 2026 is to build them a new extended run.