Our Support Animals

Our family of animals, many of whom have been rescued, each have an important job at Jasper Ridge Farm. This hard working group bring joy and comfort to people through their unconditional acceptance. Learn about each of our animals below. They all have unique personalities and special ways they bring happiness to people.


Each of these gentle support animals have specific needs in order to stay healthy and happy. While we focus on proper nutrition and regular veterinary care, we also provide enrichment activities for our animals and believe strongly that there is a mutually beneficial relationship between our animals and clients.


Kachina

Kachina, born on May 1, 2005, was donated by a Woodside family who wanted her to have a job. Kachina regularly visits children at Ronald McDonald House and local homeless shelters for families, as well as senior citizens in assisted living facilities, and inmates in local jails. She was also the star of the "Fashion for Compassion" fundraising fashion show for the Peninsula Humane Society, where she modeled her ladybug costume on the catwalk! Kachina is a beautiful silver dapple color, with unusual blue eyes.

Ayana ("Yaya")

Yaya was part of a herd of miniature horses rescued by the Peninsula Humane Society, and we adopted her in 2009. Since Yaya is a rescue, we don't know her exact birthday, but the veterinarians estimate she was born sometime towards the end of 2008. She was named in honor of a little girl we met during a visit to Ronald McDonald House. Unbeknownst to us, Yaya was in foal when we adopted her, which brought us Henry.  Yaya is our resident musician giving "Lady Yaya" performances where she plays an electronic keyboard with her nose. 

Henry Kapono

Our surprise baby was born on July 30, 2010. Henry Kapono earned his name through a "name the baby contest", and has been visited several times by the real Henry Kapono from Hawaii! Destined for life as a support horse, our little Henry has entertained visitors since he was 3 days old.

Ernie and Wooly

Ernie Banks and Wooly (Mr. Wolensworth) are the newest members of the Jasper Ridge Farm animal assisted therapy team! They arrived at Jasper Ridge Farm in early March 2024. Babydoll sheep are called the “smiling sheep” because they look like they have a little smile on their faces. Their gentle nature and wooly coats make them perfect therapy animals.

Ernie and Wooly in standing beside each other in the pasture looking adorable.

Buster

Buster is an Olde English Southdown Babydoll Sheep. This special and interesting breed is also called "the smiling sheep" because they always have a little smile on their faces. Buster was born on March 19, 2012 and is gentle, placid, and friendly. Buster is quite popular with our clients for his calm nature and we jokingly call him our "Zen sheep". 

Buster is a white sheep with a smiling face.

Leo

Leo is a Nigerian Dwarf Goat. Born on July 20, 2009, Leo has been working hard as a support goat for quite a few years. He is retired and living out his golden years at Jasper Ridge Farm. Before retirement, he rode in the back of the Ford Expedition to visit children at Ronald McDonald House and other facilities and shelters. He is friendly and smart! Saltine crackers are among his favorite treats. 

Gus and Gizmo standing in the pasture in the summer.

Gus & Gizmo

Gus and Gizmo are also Nigerian Dwarf Goats and joined our support animal family to take over duties for Leo & Laverne after they retired. Gus is white and tan in color, has blue eyes and was born poled (meaning no horns). Gizmo was born to a petite doe so will be small in size and he's mostly tan in color. Gizmo was born on March 28, 2020 and Gus was born on April 17, 2020. These two love to cuddle and try to be lap goats! They have been trained through clicker training and will back up, turn around, lay down, and run an agility course. They have also quickly learned how to be adorably mischievous!

Salem and Luna

We adopted this bonded pair from the Peninsula Humane Society in the fall of 2023. They are friendly, soft and ever popular. They are also quite athletic and entertain themselves by jumping over high fences and onto the top of their hutch.


Brownie and Tinker

Tinker and Brownie are short haired guinea pigs who are sisters. They came to us in 2021 and immediately adapted to being support animals! The guinea pigs are the smallest members of the Jasper Ridge Farm family but play an important role. Because of their diminutive size, they are especially appealing to small children, and those with some fear of larger animals. 

Chickens

The Jasper Ridge Farm flock of hens consists of Buff Orpingtons, Ameraucanas and one hard working Nankin Bantam. Residing in their girl-scout-built chicken villa, our support chickens have a safe and roomy home. They are popular and unflappable (pun intended) when visiting with children and adults in need. Our hens like to lap sit, some also liking to snuggle their heads into your arms while they take a nap!

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