The Human-Animal Connection helps people to build connections with animals, to better communicate with others and to heal through animal therapy. With their new event “Donkey Day Christmas,” they hope to create a festive atmosphere through interactions with donkeys. 

Donkey Day Christmas will take place at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park on Sunday, Dec. 14. 

The organization also held a similar type of event during World Donkey Day in May.  

Genie Joseph, executive director for the Human-Animal Connection, said that the first event was a joyous experience that attendees responded to in a positive way. 

“Donkeys have this magic that people want to be near,” Joseph said. 

Joseph said donkeys have been important throughout history. 

“There would have been no trade without donkeys. It’s about time humans realize they deserve recognition. There’s something about donkeys that touches your soul,” Joseph said.  

During the event, attendees will have a chance to interact and take photos with donkeys. 

There will be 12 donkeys on-site, including two therapy donkeys from the Human-Animal Connection. 

Rosie and Lily, mini donkeys that are 36 inches high, were rescued this year following the LA fires. At that time, they weren’t used as therapy donkeys. They had served as “comfort donkeys” to a woman with cancer. 

“They were used to being kind and caring for a person. Donkeys choose who they want to spend time with. They can sense who the person is and how much they need them,” Joseph said. 

Forever Home Donkey Rescue and TRAK will also bring donkeys to the event. 

The holiday experience will also have visits with Santa and vendors selling food and crafts. 

Guests will find donkey-themed items such as necklaces, keychains, stickers and buttons. 

Joseph hopes through the event to showcase the work they do in an interactive way. 

“Donkey Day Christmas is meant to educate people on the miracle of donkeys. They are amazing creatures. Being with them, you get a happy, joyous feeling,” Joseph said. 

The nonprofit offers therapy dog and therapy donkey interactions. 

They often work with high school students, 911 operators, veterans, first responders, healthcare providers and service members who deal with stress at their jobs. 

Joseph, a dog trainer, started the organization doing therapy dog visits. They have done over 4,000 visits with servicemembers, veterans, incarcerated people and students. 

She was awarded President Obama’s Silver Volunteer Service Award for her work. 

Over the years, she has expanded on what she offers, recently adding therapy donkeys.  

Joseph said that interacting with mini donkeys can help people who have experienced trauma. 

“Donkeys have an innate sense of safety, and with people who have experienced trauma, the donkeys can help to lead them to that feeling of safety,” Joseph said. 

Joseph said that they don’t push the donkeys to interact with humans. Often, the animals know instinctively on their own who to trust and who needs their support the most. 

One recent patient had a very strong connection with the donkeys, who sensed she needed their support. 

“Her parents never saw her so calm. The donkeys saw her essence, not her disability. The donkeys could feel who she was and wanted to be with her,” Joseph said. 

Donkey Day Christmas
WHEN: 1-3 p.m. Sunday, December 14
WHERE: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, 3482 E. River Road, Tucson
COST: Free admission. RSVP required
INFO: thehumananimalconnection.org/product-page/christmas-donkey-day