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

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

At a Tennessee solar plant, a donkey has been patrolling the area around the panels. Protecting the grazing sheep that management brought in to the site.

ecoportal.net

Quick Wednesday afternoon severe weather update from the @WDEFNews12 weather center in #ChattanoogaTN

https://youtu.be/twLLA1qcRoU

WDEF-TV NEWS 12: SEVERE WEATHER UPDATE WEDNESDAY 3.11.26

YouTube

Post-sunset colors from the 1% Lists Scenic City downtown #ChattanoogaTN webcam early Tuesday evening.

https://www.wdef.com/weather-cam-network/

#WDEFWeather #News12Weather - View of the #TivoliTheater in downtown #ChattanoogaTN early Thursday evening via the EPB Fiber Optics Weather Cam Network.

https://www.wdef.com/weather-cam-network/

#WDEFWeather #News12Weather -- Looking down on the lights of the #FestiveForest in Miller Park in downtown #ChattanoogaTN early Wednesday evening.

https://www.wdef.com/weather-cam-network/

As of 10:20 PM EST, all traffic stopped on I-24W on Missionary Ridge just SE of downtown #ChattanoogaTN due to a multi-vehicle accident. Alternate routes suggested.

#WDEFWeather #News12Weather Time Lapse view over downtown #ChattanoogaTN on Friday evening, catching some golden sunshine right before sunset where overcast skies take over.

https://www.wdef.com/weather-cam-network/

Fractured #rainbow over downtown #ChattanoogaTN on the @WDEFNews12 @EPB Fiber Optics Weather Cam Network early Wednesday evening.

https://www.wdef.com/weather-cam-network/

Friday sunset over downtown #ChattanoogaTN from the Bailey's Heating & Air Cam on the @EPB Fiber Optics Weather Cam Network

https://www.wdef.com/weather-cam-network/