This #donkey guards, patrols, and even maintains a #SolarPlant with more than 33,600 panels running at full capacity

by Warren van der Sandt, May 15, 2026

"Burrito, a rescued donkey, patrols 33,600 solar panels at Volkswagen’s 9.5-megawatt facility in #ChattanoogaTN.

"He stands guard over 50 sheep, instantly alerting the flock to local predators.

"To Burrito, this 66-acre industrial site is his personal territory."

[...]

"Keeping vegetation under control quickly became a constant challenge.

"Traditional mowers risked damaging the five 'Sunny Central' inverters and miles of sensitive cabling.

"Fuel-powered tractors also risk leaking hydraulic fluid into the local water table.

"Silicon Ranch introduced #sheep to graze, reducing fire risks and soil erosion without using fossil-fuel mowers.

"The sheep were efficient, but they were sitting ducks for Tennessee’s #coyote and #bobcat populations.

"That changed how workers managed the site.

"Burrito was brought in to provide a '#BiologicalShield,' using his natural aggression toward canines to deter threats.

"They share the same diet as the sheep, making them the most cost-effective security choice."

Read more:
https://www.ecoportal.net/en/donkey-protects-solar-grazing-sheep/21620/

#SolarPunkSunday #BurritoTheDonkey #DonkeyGuards #RenewableEnergyNews #SolarPanels #SheepMowing #NoHerbicides #GuardianAnimals