Duchess Sanctuary

Home
United States
Oakland, OR
Duchess Sanctuary

Welcome to the official page of Duchess Sanctuary, owned and operated by Humane World for Animals.
(275)

06/26/2025

Nickers of apology after the Big Herd played hide and seek with me, wayyyyyy down behind the hill and brush, and I was *almost* panicking. Then they hustled up to the top where I’d been calling. Phew!

06/05/2025

From the blog "...the White House's Fiscal Year 2026 budget request attempts to remove longstanding protective language that prohibits the outright killing or sale for slaughter of wild horses and burros."

Contact your Federal representatives today!

The proposed abandonment of protective language for wild horses and burros may be someone’s idea of a cost-saving measure, but these animals could pay for it with their lives.

06/03/2025

We’ve all earned a little grey around here, including Miss Lula at the golden girl age of 26. Still sassy!

06/02/2025

Animal stand off. Can you see who Maxine is talking to? 🐰 🐴

05/30/2025

Look at the new baby born at the sanctuary! 🥰

05/22/2025

Is this a sanctuary for horses, or hippos? 🐴 🦛

📸: David Vargas, Duchess staff

05/09/2025

After hoof trimming and deworming, the Big Herd headed across the d**e and up into their first fresh pasture of the season this week!

Thanks to the Oregon Farrier School for their hard work on alllll those feet.

📸: Duchess volunteer Gaye Weaver

05/06/2025

Betty is one of our “Queen Bees”, a small group of mares who want a quieter life out of the Big Herd, and some extra snacks in the winter. At 25 years old, she’s looking quite well this spring!

05/02/2025

And the winner for shiniest horse of the spring is… Duchess! She’s looking pretty sparkly.

04/28/2025

Beep beep! 🚨Traffic jam!

04/21/2025

Miss Darby is doing so well after her sinus surgery a few months ago. No more Darth Vader impression when she breathes!

04/17/2025

It’s a beautiful spring morning. Especially good for Joy as she enjoys her breakfast served al fresco in the glorious sunshine. ☀️ 🐴

Address

1515 Shady Oaks Lane
Oakland, OR
97462

Telephone

+15414599914

Website

https://www.humaneworld.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Duchess Sanctuary posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

About Duchess Sanctuary

“No more bad days.”

That’s the promise we make to the rescued horses and donkeys that come to Duchess Sanctuary. Regardless of the abuse, neglect, or other trauma they may have suffered in the past, from the day of their arrival until the end of their life, they won’t ever experience it again. They will never be hungry or scared or lonely, but rather well-fed, loved, and able to socialize in as natural a setting as we can provide.

Our 1120 acre facility provides a lifetime home for around 200 horses and donkeys. Many were rescued from the Pregnant Mare Urine (PMU) industry. Others are mustangs from public lands, horses rescued from feedlots and slaughter, or other neglectful or abusive situations.

While the care of the equines takes priority, the property is also a protected haven for wildlife that choose to live here, and we manage the property to conserve the land as much as possible. This approach has allowed both the rescued domestic animals and wildlife to flourish over the eleven years we have been in operation.

The sanctuary was made possible by a donation from the Ark Watch Foundation that allowed for the purchase of the property in 2008. Ark Watch continues to generously support sanctuary operations. Donors, both local and from across the country (occasionally from around the world!) make it possible for Duchess to provide a high level of care and keep the herd happy and healthy.

Support the Herd!

Since 2008, massive property improvements have been completed, including the installation of more than 17 miles of horse safe fencing, a new water system, upgrading and construction of roads, construction of shelters in every pasture and enclosure, building a “Hospital Barn” for the treatment and care of our special needs horses, and much more.

Our graduated care program follows the life and health changes of each horse – from living in larger general populations, transitioning to “special needs” when supplemental feed, medications, or other daily attention is required, and finally to humane hospice care as they approach the end of their lives. Quality of life is the determining factor in letting a horse go, and each individual is carefully evaluated by our staff on a regular basis.

Thank you for following us, and we invite you to visit the sanctuary and meet our herd in person! We hold periodic open house events during the year, see the Events page for more information. Private tours are also available, message the page to learn more.