We are thrilled to announce that we rescued “three wise men” — senior burros we’re calling Goldie, Frank, and Myrr — just in time for the Holidays! The burros were sprung from the Bureau of Land Management corrals outside of Reno, Nevada and have arrived at our partners, Once Wild Ranch along with two other lucky elder burros from the same Herd Area.
Goldie, Frank and Myrr with two other BLM burros rescued by our partners at Once Wild Ranch. Photo by Once Wild Ranch.
Throughout history, burros (the Spanish word for ‘donkey’) have played a major role in helping humans. From biblical times to the Gold Rush era of the 1800s, these animals have helped to carry people, supplies and equipment.
Like mustangs, burros are a link to America’s past and are protected under federal law as “living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West” that “contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people.” And sadly, like wild horses, they are rounded up and removed from our public lands every year.
Ever vigilant and not easily “spooked,” burros react differently than wild horses to government helicopter roundups. When chased down by helicopters, mustangs usually panic and blindly follow other horses into a trap site trying to stay together in their family bands. Wild burros act differently and usually scatter while trying to avoid capture. As a result, roundups can be even more brutal for burros, as they are chased relentlessly by helicopters and men on horseback, getting roped while trying to escape.
At MCR, we have a soft spot for these gentle, intelligent animals. We purchased three older male burros that were being offered by the BLM under “sale authority.”
Different from a BLM adoption, which requires a $125 minimum adoption fee and a year-long commitment before the animal is officially titled to the adopter. Animals sold as sale authority can be purchased for as little as $25, and title of ownership passes immediately from the BLM to the buyer. This makes it easy for horses and burros sold under sale authority to end up in the wrong hands. Many mustangs and burros are ending up at kill pens across the country after being sold under sale authority by the BLM.
Thankfully, Goldie, Frank and Myrr will be safe in their twilight years. Once they are gentled, these burros will be available for adoption!
If you think you would like to provide a home for one of these deserving burros, please inquire through Once Wild Ranch here.
