Benito, Our First Resident
A sulcata tortoise, recently dropped off and now settling in — one of the first to call the hacienda home.
The Heart of It
Hacienda La Fortuna provides lifelong refuge for farm animals and equines that are healthy, stable, and able to thrive in a herd environment. Around the working ranch, the hacienda becomes a permanent home for the animals who arrive needing one — and who are ready for the calm, social life a herd makes possible.
It is built slowly and deliberately, one resident at a time, by the same hands that look after our boarders and with the same patience the animals deserve. This is the quieter side of the hacienda — and a real part of why we're building it.
Who We Welcome
We welcome healthy, stable farm animals and equines that are ready to settle into a herd. The refuge opens progressively — here is the kind of animal we're building it for.
Animals an owner can no longer keep, surrendered into a permanent home where they'll be cared for.
Animals from ranches and farms that are closing down and need somewhere steady to land.
Horses retired from work or sport, healthy and ready for a quieter pace among the herd.
Healthy farm animals who've outlived their place elsewhere and simply need a home that wants them.
Animals at risk of auction or neglect — given a permanent, stable home instead.
Animals who need to be relocated and re-homed into a herd where they can settle for good.
Meet a Resident
Benito is a Sulcata tortoise — the African Spurred Tortoise, one of the largest tortoise species in the world. Estimated at around 70 years old, he was surrendered to Hacienda La Fortuna and now has the room to roam, graze and thrive.
Originally adapted to the dry southern edge of the Sahara, Benito spends his days grazing on grasses, soaking in water and relaxing in the shade. As one of the ranch's most unique residents, he helps visitors learn what it means to give an animal proper care, space and a safe home for life.
Meet the Residents
Our Majestic Stallion
“More than a horse… he's part of our family.” · “Power · Grace · Beauty · All in One”
Catrín is a stunning Warlander (Andalusian & Frisian mix) and a very special part of Hacienda La Fortuna. He's intelligent, confident, and gentle, with an incredible presence. His strength, grace, and noble spirit make him truly one of a kind.
Catrín is a strong, powerful stud with an unforgettable presence. His unique mix of Andalusian and Frisian gives him the best of both worlds — strength, elegance, and grace. From his beautifully braided mane to his muscular build, Catrín truly stands out. His calm and gentle nature makes him a joy to be around, and his presence commands admiration wherever he goes.
Our Sassy Sisters
Petunia & Fleur are two adorable sisters with big personalities and even bigger attitudes. From the moment they arrived at Hacienda La Fortuna, these girls showed us they weren't just cute — they're confident, curious, and always ready to keep life interesting! They love to explore, play in the dirt, and follow each other everywhere. These sassy sisters bring so much joy (and a little mischief) to the ranch.
Their bond is truly special. They do everything together — snuggle, play, nap, and even cause a little mischief side by side. Petunia & Fleur remind us every day that a little sass comes with a whole lot of love!
Respect their space.
Mixed Flock of Domestic Ducks
Our ducks are a lively mixed flock and an important part of life at Hacienda La Fortuna. They spend their days exploring, splashing, foraging, and resting in the shade. This flock includes several beautiful domestic duck types, including Cayuga, Blue Swedish, Indian Runner, Khaki Campbell / Welsh Harlequin-type ducks, and a Muscovy. Ducks are social birds that thrive with clean water, nutritious feed, space to roam, and a safe place to rest at night. At Hacienda La Fortuna, our ducks enjoy a peaceful home where they can explore, graze, and be cared for with love.
Ducks help bring movement, personality, and farm life to the ranch. They are wonderful foragers, fun to watch, and loved by visitors of all ages.
Respect their space · Do not chase the ducks · Thank you!
From Egg to Chick
We are growing our own chickens and ducks and incubating our own eggs, including both chicken and duck eggs. Our older hens provide the fertile eggs we use for incubation and for our farm-fresh egg sales. We are hatching them at home and raising the next generation with love and care.
Lucky — our first incubator baby and the little chick who started it all. His Brothers followed right behind him in the incubator. And our 1-Month-Old chicks are already active, curious, and full of energy.
Psalm 1:3
Meet the Peacocks
We're fortunate to share the ranch with our own flock of peacocks. This handsome peacock, pictured here with his tail fully fanned, is the father of the flock we keep at Hacienda La Fortuna.
Thank you for supporting our animals! Your kindness helps us provide a safe, loving home where our animals can thrive.
A First Look
A sulcata tortoise, recently dropped off and now settling in — one of the first to call the hacienda home.
Two adorable pig sisters, settling into the paddock and keeping each other company.
A lively mixed flock of domestic ducks, exploring, splashing and foraging together.
The Animals, Day to Day
A few short clips from an ordinary day on the ranch.
Be Part of It
Every resident we welcome is welcomed because someone decided to help. Here are three ways to be that someone.
Choose an animal to follow. Monthly photo updates, your name on their plaque, and a personal letter when their story moves forward — a new friendship, a milestone, a quiet good day. The most direct way to give a resident the life they have here.
A quieter way in. A quarterly newsletter with the residents' stories and the refuge's progress, first-look access to scheduled visit days, and the satisfaction of helping the whole grow.
For those who'd rather give once, meaningfully. Your name is set on a permanent plaque at the hacienda entrance and you're invited — first — to the founders-only opening day. A gift that travels with the hacienda for the long arc.
Make It Possible
The fastest way to help — pick an animal, follow their story, and give them the calm, herd life this place is built for.
Sponsor a Resident