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 19 year old Sulcata Tortoise who has been with us for two 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.

King Bubbles

Male sulfate tortoise with esophageal tube inserted

Bubbs is our newest resident, coming to us in December of 2022. 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!

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

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 4 glorious years. She is a Kune Kune pig, and lives for ear scratches and watermelon.

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.

Stewart

Male Kune Kune pig named Stew

Our gentle giant Stew is 4 years old and a whole lot of pig! He's not the biggest fan of dogs but he loves people and being out and about grazing with the horses.

DID YOU KNOW? 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.

Maple

Chestnut pony in a desert landscape

Our Maple girl is 2 years old and has come such a long way! From terrified of people to a sweet a brilliant little horse, she's the inspiration for our upcoming mustang rehabilitation program.

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!

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 two years.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Violet

Violet is a 6 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!