In 2020, a pivotal year for many, Ron King found himself at a crossroads. At 51, he had recently departed from his role as Senior Vice President at Time Inc. Seeking direction, he stumbled upon a TikTok video that would change his life. The clip featured a woman passionately pleading for help to rescue donkeys that were at risk of being sold for slaughter. "Her genuine plea struck a chord with me," King recalls. "I thought, Why are donkeys being treated this way?"
Deeply affected by the video, King felt compelled to act. Coincidentally, a friend had reached out to him regarding a property initially intended for an animal sanctuary. Seizing the opportunity, he decided to take over the sanctuary and dedicate it to rescuing donkeys.
In 2021, with no prior experience in animal care, King established Oscar's Place, a 75-acre non-profit sanctuary located in Hopeland, California. His mission is to provide a safe haven for aging, injured, or unwanted donkeys, ensuring they can live their lives peacefully.
Since its inception, the number of donkeys at Oscar's Place has grown to 250, supported by a dedicated team of 21 full-time staff members.
"This is my true calling," King expresses, "and it brings me immense joy."
King is now the focus of a documentary series titled Donkey King on ABC, aimed at raising awareness about donkeys and the work being done at his sanctuary. The series includes a clip from the original TikTok that inspired him, making it a personal project.
His daily routine begins before dawn, around 4:00 a.m., not with donkey care but with administrative tasks. "I use this quiet time to manage the business side of the sanctuary," he explains. Once the sun rises, he shifts his focus to the donkeys, whether it involves medical care, introductions, or preparing them for adoption.
Although his new role differs vastly from his previous corporate life, King finds surprising similarities. "Running this sanctuary is akin to managing several magazines," he notes, citing budget management and organizational tasks as common threads.
To maintain his physical health, King exercises five days a week, focusing on functional strength to handle the demands of working with large animals. "These donkeys weigh around 700 pounds," he says. "Staying fit helps me navigate the challenges that come with this job."
Despite the physical and emotional demands of his work, King prioritizes self-care, scheduling regular breaks and vacations to recharge. "I plan my time off well in advance," he states, emphasizing the importance of stepping back from the day-to-day operations.
Leaving the corporate world has shifted King's perspective on life. He now prioritizes compassion and joy over spreadsheets and numbers. "Corporate life often misplaces what truly matters," he reflects.
For those inspired to make a difference, King advises starting small, whether through volunteering or supporting local non-profits. "Identify moments in your life that brought you joy and seek to replicate those experiences," he encourages.
