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
