In Medellín, Horses, Donkeys, Cows, and Birds Find New Homes

Medellín continues to show that the love for animals knows no bounds. In addition to dogs and cats, it is now possible to adopt horses, cows, pigs, rabbits, goats, guinea pigs, and birds, all rescued from vulnerable situations.
This year, 49 animals of the aforementioned species were given up for adoption, and last year, 212 found a family that gave them a second chance.

49 animals of other domestic species were adopted in 2025; the previous year there were 212. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Currently, there are seven waiting for homes: four pigs, one horse, and two ducks looking for people willing to love and protect them as part of their family.

“The citizen submits a request to the contract operator. They review the submitted documentation, then connect with us. We analyze the case, and if appropriate, we approve the adoption. Applicants must meet certain characteristics or conditions that we require,” said Acting Secretary of the Environment Elizabeth Coral.

Josefina is one of the stories that has touched thousands of hearts: she is a donkey who was abandoned in downtown Medellín, near Parque del Periodista, and her life changed forever when Laura Londoño, a veterinarian and influencer, decided to adopt her and give her a loving home.

Click on the above image to watch the short video.

“I contacted the Medellín City Hall because I knew they had a rescue program. I’m a veterinarian, and when I did my internship, I was in charge of caring for these animals, and they showed me the ones they had available. Josefina was also there. I went to visit her at the clinic, and she was in the process of recovery after being rescued, and it was love at first sight,” explained veterinarian Laura Londoño, now the donkey’s new caregiver.

In addition to dogs and cats, it is now possible to adopt horses, cows, pigs, rabbits, goats, guinea pigs, and birds. Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Kabala is a Vietnamese piglet who is now waiting for a second chance. She came into the care of the District Administration after being rescued from a situation of abuse. She was subjected to undignified conditions, fed garbage, and treated without the slightest respect for her well-being. Her previous family bought her thinking she would be a minipig, unaware that she would grow larger than expected. When they lost interest in the piglet, they discarded her. Now, Kabala is looking for a home where she is not seen as a consumer animal, but as a being deserving of love, respect, and protection.

Those who wish to open their doors to a rescued domestic animal can contact [email protected], where they will receive guidance on the adoption process. The criteria for adopting a domestic animal are love and respect for animals, and a place and food appropriate for the species. Another factor to remember is that these animals are not given for production or consumption, but rather to be cared for as companion animals.

At the same time, the La Perla Animal Welfare Center continues to be a refuge of hope for hundreds of animals without caretakers, providing them with medical care, emotional care, and a new opportunity through responsible adoption. In 2024, 4,404 animals were rescued. Today, many await an opportunity under the loving care of the Mayor’s Office of Medellín.

Kabala is a Vietnamese pig who is now waiting for a second chance. She came into the care of the District Administration after being rescued from a situation of abuse.  Photo credit: City of Medellín.

Photo credit: City of Medellín.