10/09/2026
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved donkey, Guiseppe, best known as “Seppe”.
Seppe was a staple here on Heckscher Farm for over 24 years. As one of our most cherished residents, he acted as a friend and companion to almost every type of animal on the farm. In fact, to borrow a term from our digital age, you could say that he was our ultimate Heckscher Farm Influencer!
For many years, he and his father, Spanky, kept the llamas and alpacas company. Following that, he spent years befriending our rams. We have fond memories of the beautiful bond Seppe formed with Ike, our lone ram. The two of them bunked, took walks with staff, and grazed side by side for years. When we got Jasper as an adolescent, who many of you know now as our very sociable ram, Seppe and Ike welcomed him right in. Because of Seppe’s gentle leadership and kind attitude, Jasper grew up to be inquisitive and friendly to visitors and staff alike.
A few years later, Seppe moved in with our cows, Prim and Nessy. Almost immediately, Prim, the larger and gentler of the two, was smitten with Seppe. True to form, Seppe reciprocated that affection, and the two of them would graze and sunbathe together. Many visitors will remember these days.
Most recently, Seppe became a wonderful partner to our shy miniature Zebu Cow, Puppy. With his heart always on his sleeve, Seppe welcomed Puppy on her first day here this past April. Instead of being cautious, he approached her with the gentle demeanor that defined who he was at his core. Puppy was anxious and afraid in her new environment but it was Seppe who taught her to greet people, eat from their hands, and go for walks with the staff. Over the past six months, they shared a deep bond.
So many of us naturally fell in love with him. His beautiful, big, fluffy ears and expressive eyes conveyed a pureness of heart that resonated with everyone who worked with him.
We will miss him forever, but we hold on to what he taught us so well: to accept everyone, even if they are very different, and to love unconditionally. 🤍
