The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is hosting special adoption and sale events during the Wild Horse and Burro Awareness Week, from March 1 to March 8, to help find loving homes for wild burros. These events, known as “Burro Palooza,” will take place in different locations, with a focus on burros gathered from the deserts of central and western Arizona, as well as southern Nevada.
These events will give people the chance to adopt or purchase burros and offer them a forever home. The BLM aims to find good homes for these wild animals, who have been carefully gathered from public lands.
What to Expect at the Events
The Burro Palooza events in Marana and Willcox will include exciting demonstrations by inmate trainers from Arizona Corrections Industries. These demonstrations will take place at 11 a.m. on the first day of each event. Trained animals featured in these demonstrations will also be available for sale and auction at the events. However, trained horses may not be available at the Willcox event.
In addition to adoptions, the BLM will also be allowing those who have previously purchased burros from Online Corral events to pick up their animals during these special events. This gives adopters a chance to meet other people who have adopted and share their experiences.
Burros for Adoption
Most of the burros available at these events will be untrained, but don’t let that discourage you! If you’re looking to adopt a burro and are ready to invest time and patience into training, untrained burros are available for just $125 each. These animals will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s important to arrive early if you’re interested.
For those looking for trained animals, burros are available starting at $500, and trained horses start at $1,000. The prices of trained animals will increase based on interest. If you’re interested in a specific animal, make sure to follow BLM Arizona on Facebook for more updates about which trained animals will be available.
How to Adopt or Purchase
Interested adopters can apply online before the event via the BLM’s Online Corral. To qualify, applicants must be 18 years or older, have the proper facilities to care for the animal, and ensure they have the appropriate transportation to get the animal home. BLM staff will help load the animals into approved trailers once they’re ready for transport.
For further information, including details on how to apply and specific event dates, you can contact the BLM at 1-866-4MUSTANGS (1-866-468-7826). You can also visit the Florence Off-Range Facility webpage for more information on adoption and qualifications.
Why Adopt a Wild Burro?
The BLM’s adoption program offers a rare opportunity to bring home wild horses and burros that were once roaming free on public lands. These animals are known for their strength, intelligence, and endurance. With the right care, patience, and training, they can be excellent companions and hardworking animals for various uses.
Before being made available for adoption, all animals undergo a thorough veterinary examination, ensuring they are vaccinated, dewormed, and have a current negative Coggins test. This ensures that adopters are bringing home healthy animals that are ready to start their new life in a loving home.
A Tribute to Wild Horse Annie
Wild Horse and Burro Awareness Week celebrates the life and work of Velma Bronn Johnston, known as “Wild Horse Annie.” Her birthday, March 5, marks the anniversary of her efforts to pass the “Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act” (Public Law 92-195), which helped protect wild horses and burros on public lands. This week is dedicated to raising awareness about these iconic animals and the ongoing efforts to protect them.
Get Involved and Help Make a Difference
Whether you’re ready to adopt, donate, or simply learn more about these amazing animals, the BLM encourages everyone to get involved during Wild Horse and Burro Awareness Week. Adopting a wild burro or horse is a big commitment, but it’s also an incredibly rewarding experience. These animals deserve loving homes, and you could be the one to give them a second chance.
If you are interested in adopting a burro, attending an event, or simply learning more about the BLM’s adoption process, visit their website or contact them for more details.
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