NEW YORK — Starting January 3, ABC Television Network affiliates and owned stations will begin airing on weekend mornings an educational/informational docuseries focused on the rescue, rehabilitation and resettlement of donkeys. It comes courtesy of Hearst Media Production Group (HMPG), in partnership with Monument and veteran media executive Ron King.
The original series takes the name “Donkey King” and is cleared to air on Saturday or Sunday mornings. It is a 30-minute weekly offering set at an adoption center and sanctuary in picturesque Hopland, Calif., north of Santa Rosa along U.S. 101.
The locale, Oscar’s Place Adoption Center & Sanctuary, is a 75-acre habitat where more than 440 donkeys have been saved. The series will showcase King’s and dozens of volunteers’ work.
Donkeys, which studies show have a learning and problem-solving ability on par with dolphins and dogs, contribute to U.S. agriculture as guard animals for livestock, among other roles.
Before founding Oscar’s Place, King built a distinguished career in the media industry, rising to Senior Vice President at Time Inc., where he oversaw the business operations of iconic brands including InStyle, Southern Living, and Essence. King transitioned from the corporate world to animal welfare, bringing his decades of leadership and business expertise to creating Oscar’s Place, rescuing and rehabilitating at-risk donkeys.
“True joy comes from having impact. After watching a TikTok video about donkeys in need of help, I left my media career and founded a donkey rescue,” said King. “I can’t wait to introduce viewers to their new favorite animal. Donkeys are emotional, intelligent, curious, and hilarious! Donkey King is sure to bring joy into people’s hearts and homes.”
