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In this heartwarming episode of The Neil Haley Show and Celebrity Interviews Live from the Grotto, Neil Haley welcomed entrepreneur, animal advocate, and television personality Ron King, better known today as “The Donkey King.” What began as a conversation about a unique television series quickly became an inspiring story about reinvention, purpose, compassion, and discovering what truly brings joy in life.
Ron King’s life today looks nothing like the life he once lived. Before becoming one of the nation’s most recognized donkey rescuers, Ron was a highly successful publishing executive who served as the publisher of InStyle magazine. His career placed him at the center of the fashion industry, attending exclusive events, sitting front row at major fashion shows, and working alongside some of the biggest names in media and entertainment. It was a world of glamour, luxury, and prestige that many people dream about. Yet despite his professional accomplishments, life would eventually lead him in an entirely unexpected direction.
As Ron explained during the interview, everything changed during a difficult period in his life. After leaving Time Inc., he expected his experience and accomplishments would naturally open doors to another executive position. Instead, he discovered firsthand the challenges that many professionals face later in their careers. At fifty years old, he found that opportunities were no longer appearing as easily as they once had. Combined with the uncertainty and isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Ron found himself struggling emotionally and searching for a new sense of purpose.
That purpose arrived in the most unlikely way possible—a TikTok video.
While scrolling online, Ron stumbled across a video showing donkeys being sold through livestock auctions and ultimately sent to slaughter. The discovery shocked him. He had never considered the plight of donkeys before and began researching the issue. What he learned changed his life forever. Rather than simply feeling sympathy, he decided to take action. Despite having absolutely no background in animal rescue, farming, veterinary care, or donkey ownership, he committed himself to creating a sanctuary dedicated to saving these animals.
Looking back, Ron laughs at the fact that he launched a rescue operation before he had ever even met a donkey. After creating a business plan, securing funding, and establishing the foundation for the organization, he suddenly realized he should probably spend some time around the animals he intended to save. His first three rescued donkeys—Goose, Pickles, and Shadow—arrived in December 2020. Those three animals remain part of the sanctuary today and helped ignite a passion that continues to drive Ron’s mission.
What followed was one of the most dramatic personal transformations imaginable.
Over the past five years, Ron has rescued approximately 450 donkeys, creating a thriving nonprofit organization known as Oscar’s Place. What began as a personal mission evolved into a nationally recognized sanctuary dedicated to providing care, rehabilitation, and adoption opportunities for donkeys rescued from neglect, abandonment, and slaughter pipelines. Today, the sanctuary is home to approximately 220 donkeys spread across two separate properties, each receiving individualized care and attention.
The success of Oscar’s Place eventually attracted media attention. A feature segment on CBS introduced Ron’s story to a wider audience and generated an astonishing response. During the brief television appearance, the sanctuary received approximately $200,000 in donations. The experience opened Ron’s eyes to the power of storytelling and television as tools for raising awareness and support for animal rescue efforts.
That exposure planted the seed for what would eventually become The Donkey King television series.