It was easy to find street parking on Laguna Avenue. And the concrete trail/bike path along Cornelis Bol Park in the Barron Park neighborhood led me straight to the donkeys at the pasture on a beautiful Sunday morning. I was delighted to join these adorable creatures on their weekly walk around Bol Park (visitors can also engage in feedings later in the afternoon on Sundays at the pasture gate). The two donkeys that went for a walk were April (age 16) who wears a covering due to a skin disease, and a senior donkey Buddy (age 26). We made a stop at the wood chips near the playground so guests could pet them and brush their fur. They were both really calm and good. The volunteers were lovely too, answering questions, educating us, and showing genuine affection for the donkeys. Perry, a third donkey they used to have on site and the inspiration for Shrek, was a miniature breed. He died at age 30, just earlier this year. But the docents expressed how two donkeys are still plenty to care for especially with health conditions. FAQ's online say the donkeys have only one purpose at Barron Park -- "bringing visitors a new perspective and brightening their days". Well, they were charming to me and certainly made me smile, so I guess they're doing their job :) read more

See all

The Barron Park Donkeys are community mascots who live in a pasture along a trail joining Bol Park with the Barron Park neighborhood. Before it became a city park in the 70s (there was a lot of bush), Cornelis Bol kept donkeys on the land, and thanks to local activists and community volunteers, the donkeys have remained ever since. These animals are more than local livestock--they're a symbol of Palo Alto's community spirit, rural roots, and commitment to nature, drawing visitors who respect and adore their presence. On Sundays, you can join their 10am walks or help feed them at 5pm, 4pm (Fall/Winter). If you go any other time they will ignore you unless you dress up as a carrot. Be warned, a crowd will form so getting their early means nothing and the lack of order means every photo will have some ugly uncontrolled kid in it. read more

Barron Park Donkeys - What an ass! - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Palo Alto, California

See all

So sad to have heard that Perry, the donkey icon modeled for Shrek, has passed after 30 years. Barron Park has been a comfort spot, as it is close to where I work. Whenever I need some fresh air or feel cooped up inside, I'll head on over to the donkeys. It's a beautiful trail leading up to the donkeys, but watch out for the bikers who frequent that trail! There's also a playground nearby. April, the white donkey (my favorite), is miniature and adorable! You can also see Buddy there, the brown one. There's also a memorial for Perry right now with flowers. There are details on the Barron Park donkeys website, but you can volunteer to feed and walk them. Or, if you're just interested in viewing, they have feeding and walking times on their website. There's a mailbox by the donkeys where you can drop off d-mail like drawings. And, you can donate online. Rest in peace Perry! read more

See all

"Visit Mama and Baby Donkeys" This is one of the few places in the Bay Area where you can walk right up and get close to donkeys. In my hometown of Dublin, we hardly ever see any donkeys walking around. I didn't try to pet them, as I wasn't sure we were supposed to. But mostly because I wasn't sure if they bite. You can park pretty close by, it's just a short walk to see this wonderful place. When I first arrived at their quarters, I didn't see any donkeys. Then I noticed they were far away, resting. In a few minutes they both came up to say hello to me. There is a young donkey, and apparently his mother, Jenny. They probably thought I had some food, but we're not supposed to feed them. After a while, they both got tired of me and went back to their sleeping quarters. I tried calling their name, but they ignored me. They knew I didn't have any food. A delightful place to visit. Your young children will be especially delighted. read more

See all

Visiting the Cornelis Bol park of course I must visit the Barron Park donkeys (I am still confused about those 2 parks that for me are the same big one). I think Barron Park is the hood and Cornelis is the park-park and where the adorable donkeys are. I am into drawing donkeys lately (for some strange reason I got tired of painting people's faces and now venturing to animals more and more). I read about the history and stories behind these donkeys and took my sketch book with me and changed the color of one of the donkeys to pink (the donkey who dreamed to be a pig, my 'piggierrito', a blend between burrito -donkey in Spanish- and pig, inspiration for my future book for children:). Even with the fence and all, you can interact with the donkeys as they are so well behaved and love to pose for pictures when are not eating (which is most of the time). It is a very bucolic view and relaxing time. read more

See all

Was at Bol Park on Sunday and was surprised to see a pair of donkeys! They were minding their own business chewing on the grass and accompanied by 2 handlers who were also friendly and gave me some background on the donkeys. Apparently they are there every Sunday for an hour. A fun sight if you're already planning on hanging around Bol Park. read more

Barron Park Donkeys - Community Service/Non-Profit Near Me - Palo Alto, California

Go see Perry and Buddy but don't feed them apples or they will get too big! Serene space in the middle of the park.

"We can stay up late, swapping manly stories, and in the morning, I'm making waffles!"―Donkey (Eddie Murphy), "Shrek" Donkeys in Palo Alto?! Surely this is a joke, but nayyyyyy! Donkeys have been a long-held tradition of the Barron Park neighborhood since the '30s, when this area served as an animal pasture. Thanks to some donations from individuals like Cornelis Bol, who sold the land at half the market value; James Witt, who owns the land the Donkeys live on; and the whole Barron Park Neighborhood, who banded together ―in conjunction with the City of Palo Alto― to get Bol Park (http://goo.gl/qJqbfL) built, and the area preserved for future generations. But, that's enough history―let's meet the stars! Miner Forty-Niner (aka Niner) is a Standard Donkey who was born in the Mojave Desert in 1984 and sold off when the owners were culling the herd, to someone in Los Altos. He joined the Barron Park Donkeys (BPD) in 1998 and has been happily munching away ever since. Pericles (aka Perry) is a Miniature Donkey who was born in 1994 in upstate NY, and had a previous life as a companion animal for Race Horses. He joined the BPD in 1997 and was soon discovered by, then nearby, Dreamworks animators to serve as the model for the character "Donkey" in the 2001 animated film, "Shrek." The BPD is **NOT** financed by the City of PA, as many believe, but is privately funded by donations and entirely run by volunteers. If you visit please make a tax-deductable donation on their PayPal donation site (https://goo.gl/Z4ErBo). The BPD is highly recommended as a fun little outing to take the kids on a lazy Sunday morning. The Donkey handlers are really knowledgable and nice, and the Donkeys themselves are very friendly and don't mind the attention. Enjoy! read more

See all

I was very sad to have learned couple of weeks ago that Niner, Barron Park's famed donkey, has died at age 32 of respiratory related illness, on September 28, 2016. He was a friend and a long time standard sized companion to the miniature sized Perry, the real Shrek (who was the model for the movie). Niner and Perry lived behind the Bol Park in Palo Alto, on their own private pasture, and were the neighborhood celebrities. It's unclear what the future holds for Perry, now that his best friend is gone. Niner has died at an animal hospital in Salinas, the Steinbeck Country Equine Clinic, his miniature donkey best friend, Perry, in a stall beside him. His thoughtful caring donkey handlers camped there for Niner's last days, staying with him and Perry all day, petting them and talking to them. Perry, who is 22 and ten years junior to Niner, remained at the hospital, grieving for his herd mate. He would be too depressed coming back to the paddock in Barron Park without his mate Niner. He has been relocated for a short stay until, hopefully, another donkey companion can be found for him. Niner shall be remembered as a kind and loving animal. He had a friendly and curious nature, and would regularly hang his head over the fence to receive pets from visitors. He used to have somewhat rebellious nature in his teenage years, but mellowed into his 20s. He was born in the Mojave Desert. He has spent the first 14 years of his life living with a family in Los Altos, where he was adopted while still a yearling. He was given to Barron Park as a companion to another donkey, Mickey, who was the last surviving donkey born at Bol's farm. Niner lived at the Bol Park with Perry for 18 years. There is a great article about Niner in the Palo Alto Weekly, dated on October 4, 2016 and updated October 10, 2016. It includes his story and the farewell written by his handler, very touching. "Whenever you visit my pasture, always remember my long happy life with you all! No matter how deep my eternal sleep, I shall hear you, and not all the power of death can keep my spirit from welcoming you with my usual bray." By Inge Harding-Barlow, Niner's handler. http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/2016/10/04/beloved-palo-alto-donkey-dies-at-32 read more

See all

Did you know that Shrek's Donkey from the Shrek movies was modeled after a real deal donkey that resides on a quaint farm tucked away behind a small park and up a short trail in residential Palo Alto? Who knew? There's two donkeys that live there, Niner & Perry, and they're sweet little dudes that love a good pet and going for walks around the park with their handlers. Perry is the miniature donkey and the one Eddie Murphy's Donkey character is modeled after. He's a little more shy than Niner but they both love to hang out by the fences and steal as many face pets as they can get. There's a small mailbox near there gate that's labeled "D-mail" and you can leave donkey mail for these guys. Pretty darn cute. And these donkeys are actually a part of a pretty cool non-profit, so feel free to send a donation to keep the donkey love alive. read more

See all

I am planning to go there but noticed Google Maps shows only street parking, correct ?

The donkeys at Barron Park are a must see when you're in the area. I had to come a few times before I could see them during the week, but they're so adorable and well loved. The people who take care of the donkey's are so lovely and patient. They even let me feed Perry some treats the last time I was there. It's right off the bike/walking trail, so it's a great place to get some exercise in as well. I'll keep coming by each time I'm in the neighborhood. Review #1 of 2018 read more

This park is near a creek and has plenty of area in the shade. It has a huge playground (currently closed due to covid) and big grassy area. The donkeys is obviously what make people come and they are the cutest ! read more

I love donkeys!!!!! I work in the area and decided to pay the cuties a quick visit. It was a nice walk down the bike path to see the donkeys, past the park. Luckily for me, both donkeys were at the gate and I was able to say hi and get a few pats in before they wandered off. Volunteering requires residency in Palo Alto, which is the only negative since I don't live in Palo Alto. read more

Found at Bol Park up Matadero at Laguna, the resident donkeys are darling. Their names are Perry and Niner and they served as the models for Shrek. A foundation and volunteers are their overseers. The park is quite linear and makes for a great walk. Play area for little kids. Just a lovely oasis not very far off the beaten path of El Camino. Note: Perry and Niner need contributions to pay for their food and care. The Palo Alto Donkey Project is accepting contributions through ACTERRA, 3921 East Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303-4303. The check must be made out to "ACTERRA-Palo Alto Donkey Fund." I encourage you to go meet the donkeys and then make a contribution. You'll feel really good! read more

These two donkeys are too cute! They are very proud of their behinds (I think they do a lot of squats and lunges!) and may prefer to show you their behinds the whole time rather than their faces. One of the donkeys however decided to come over and say hi. Both donkeys are very well cared for and don't smell at all and are very clean. Yay for the volunteers! I will be back often to admire these donkeys' butts. (-; and/or do squats and lunges together. read more

See all

It was a disappointment when we went there on Sunday noon. At the entrance of the park, there was no sign where the donkeys are. We have to ask people in the park to find out where the donkeys were. After walking about 10 minutes we saw a sign. Well, maybe we went there without calling first, no one was there, we could only see the donkeys outside the fence hiding in the shades because it was very hot that day. There was no other thing there to see. The place seemed not well maintained. It looked like if you just go there by yourself without calling the number on their website, you will be by your own, there are no full time staff there. If you want to take your young kids to see animals, maybe you should go to happy hallow zoo in San Jose unless you really want to see donkeys. read more