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Burro Awareness Month

In celebration of Burro Awareness Month

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Conservation:

May is a month of renewal: spring blooms, new life on the range, and a powerful reminder to protect the wild. It’s also Burro Awareness Month, a time to honor one of the most resilient and misunderstood animals in the American West.

This month is a celebration of the wild burro’s vital role in the American West, both ecological and cultural. But it’s also a call to action to protect them against federal mismanagement.

TAKE ACTION FOR WILD BURROS

The National Academy of Sciences warned in 2013 that the small, fragmented nature of burro herds threatens their genetic viability and that current population levels may be too low to sustain healthy herds. Yet, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continues to ignore this science.

In fact, during this year’s Burro Awareness month, the BLM is planning to remove over 1,100 wild burros in a bait trap roundup in Arizona’s Three Rivers Complex. The current plan would leave only 1,160 burros in the wild on nearly one million acres of public, private, and state land.
While this is not a helicopter roundup, the lasting impacts will be devastating for these important herds.

The ecological importance of wild burros in desert environments cannot be overstated. Studies show that burros dig wells that provide water access for native species and support biodiversity in some of the harshest environments in the American West. Yet BLM continues to treat them as pests rather than ecosystem engineers.

This must change. This Burro Awareness Month, take action for wild burros and call on the BLM to:

  • Stop rounding up wild burros, especially with helicopters
  • Recognize the ecological importance of wild burros in arid landscapes
  • Address genetic fragmentation by reassessing AMLs and implementing science-based plans to ensure long-term viability

Let the BLM know that you want burros protected, not driven to collapse.

For the wild ones,

Team AWHC

Help Us Keep Burros Free and Wild

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

As the sun sets on Burro Awareness Month, we want to take a moment and reflect on the extraordinary impact we’ve made together this month. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve raised awareness in the media and Congress about the plight of the West’s incredible wild burros and built a solid foundation for the future of burro advocacy.

Chip in to Support Wild Burros

We started the month off celebrating World Donkey Day. We called upon our collective herd of wild burro advocates to ask their representatives to cosponsor the Ejiao Act. Your voices were heard—in just one day over 7,000 letters poured into Congress, advocating for the protection of burros and their domestic donkey counterparts. To date, over 31,000 advocates have called on their Members of Congress to support the Ejiao Act! This incredible show of support brings us closer to securing a future where burros are safe from exploitation. Will you take your support one step further and donate to ensure we can continue our lifesaving work?

Fuel our Work for Wild Burros

This Burro Awareness Month, we spent time educating the public about wild burros and their benefit to the ecosystems they inhabit. Research shows, that they dig for water and they create water holes that benefit other wildlife, particularly in arid environments. Their presence is crucial for maintaining the balance and health of their habitats and sustaining hundreds of plant and animal species.

Despite these benefits, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) continues to regard wild burros as invasive pests, leading to mass roundups that fracture fragile populations, harm individuals, and shatter their social bonds. In the coming months, the BLM plans to chase over 1,100 wild burros with helicopters, permanently removing them from their families and homes. We need your help documenting these roundups to continue to educate Congress and the public about this mistreatment of federally protected animals. To mark the end of Burro Awareness Month, will you help ensure we have the funds to document the upcoming roundups?

Every dollar you give helps us to advocate for stronger protective laws, conduct field research, document the lives of wild burros, and educate the public about the importance of burros in our ecosystems. Can you chip in and support the movement?

With gratitude,

Team AWHC

6 things you should know about wild burros…

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

Did you know that wild burros can recognize each other’s brays from a mile away? Or that burros can outrun a coyote in a high-speed chase? These quirky, resilient creatures are full of surprises. And they’re not just hoofing around in the desert — they’re helping to shape our natural landscapes!

Chip in to Protect America’s Wild Burros

Before the sun officially sets on Burro Awareness Month, here are six things you should know about these unique animals: 

  • A donkey never forgets. No really — burros have an impressive memory! They can recognize locations and other donkeys they haven’t encountered for a quarter of a century.
  • Burros put on a brave face. Burros use stoicism as a survival tactic. Putting up a strong, healthy front helps them avoid becoming prey in the wild, but it doesn’t mean they don’t feel pain or discomfort!
  • Donkeys are digestion machines. Their bodies use 95% of the food they consume!
  • Burro babies aren’t born for a YEAR! A burro’s gestation period is anywhere from 11 to 14.5 months. Like many animals, foals are most often born at night.
  • Burros are ecosystem engineers! They dig wells in arid deserts, providing essential water sources for native wildlife! Burros even create beautiful desert oases!
  • The blind burro buddy system: Blind donkeys typically bond with one who can see to serve as a guide. Speaking of eyesight, did you know donkeys can see all four feet at the same time?
Chip in to Protect America’s Wild Burros

Burros may not show pain, but the mistreatment they’ve endured at the hands of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is cruel and inhumane. We’re not stopping our fight to protect these incredible, resilient creatures. Will you help fuel our work with a quick donation to the American Wild Horse Conservation? 

Thank you,

Team AWHC

It’s Burro Awareness Month!

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

It’s the first day of May – and you know what that means – the first day of Burro Awareness Month!

AWHC started Burro Awareness Month over a decade ago to highlight the beauty of one of our favorite equine species, the curious wild burros of the American Southwest, and to educate the public about the unique struggles they face.

Originating in Africa, burros were first introduced to the Southwest by the Spaniards in the 1500s. They would go on to serve as reliable pack animals for explorers and pioneers on their treks throughout the West in the centuries thereafter, surviving even when the harsh conditions claimed the lives of their human partners. Today, most of America’s wild burros reside in Arizona, where they’ve been present since 1679!

Despite having the same rich history and cultural significance as wild horses, burros unfortunately receive far less attention. That’s why it’s about time we make Burro Awareness Month a national holiday! Will you join us in calling for May to become nationally-recognized as Burro Awareness Month by signing our petition below?

SIGN THE PETITION →

Over the next few weeks, we’re going to focus on all things pertaining to our beloved burros. And today, we’d like to kick things off with an amazing update about our latest burro rescues, Poppy and Cosmo!

Last week, we told you about the heartwarming story of these two precious little animals. With just hours left before potentially being sold off to kill buyers at the Eugene Livestock Auction, AWHC Investigations Manager Amelia Perrin managed to beat out other bidders and save Poppy and Cosmo before it was too late.

Now, thanks to your support, our furry new friends have arrived safely at 3 Sisters Equine Refuge where they can finally decompress, get vet and farrier care, and play freely to their heart’s content. See for yourself!

We are so proud that we were able to rescue Poppy and Cosmo – but there are many more burros out there that need our help, and not enough people who know about it. We’re sure that if more people learned about these beautiful creatures, they would get the attention and care they deserve! So this May, we are once again asking for your help to spread the word about our beloved wild burros. Will you sign on to our petition today to help make Burro Awareness Month a nationally-recognized holiday?

SIGN THE PETITION →

Thanks!

AWHC Team

ICYMI: The BLM has finally released its 2023 roundup schedule

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

We’ve got a lot to share with you in this week’s edition of eNews, including the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) recently released 2023 roundup schedule, an inside look at a BLM adoption event in New Hampshire, and an open call to all burro lovers!

Read on to learn more! >>

Bureau of Land Management Releases 2023 Roundup Schedule and On-Range Population Numbers

Photo: Tandin Chapman

It’s officially here. After a several month delay, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) finally released its 2023 roundup schedule for wild horse and burros last week. While the target number is a marked departure from the initial planned number of 20,000, when all is said and done, more than 5,800 wild horses and burros will be added to the already overburdened holding corrals. In addition to the release of this schedule, the BLM is asserting that there is a slight increase in the on-range population, but we have questions. Check out our latest on this development below.

LEARN MORE

Eyewitness Report: BLM Adoption Event in New Hampshire

Photo: Mary Koncel

Last weekend, AWHC program specialist, Mary Koncel, traveled to Vermont to attend and document a BLM wild horse and burro adoption event at the Cheshire Fairgrounds in Swanzey, New Hampshire. This was the first of several adoption/sales events that will be held in the Northeastern States District of the BLM. Click the link below to read more.

READ MORE

Calling All Burro Fans! Submit Your Content to be Featured

Photo: Tara Arrowood/MCR

Wild burros have the same rich history and are just as culturally significant as wild horses, but they receive far less attention. In 2012, AWHC started Burro Awareness Month to promote awareness and appreciation for these amazing and unique residents of the American Southwest. Do you have photos of wild burros that you would like to share? A story about an experience you had on the range? Please submit your content to grace@americanwildhorsecampaign.org to be featured during the month of May on AWHC’s social media!

SUBMIT YOUR CONTENT!

Thanks for reading. And thank you for continuing to stand up for our cherished wild horses and burros!

— AWHC Team

Help us make Burro Awareness Month a National Holiday!

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

It’s the first day of May – and you know what that means – the first day of Burro Awareness Month!

We started Burro Awareness Month back in 2012 to highlight the beauty of one of our favorite equine species, the majestic wild burros of the American Southwest, and to educate the public about the unique struggles they face.

While wild mustangs often get the spotlight, burros tend to get left out of the conversation. So we dedicate this month every year to raising awareness about all things pertaining to our beloved burros – and , it’s about time we make it a national holiday!

Will you join us in calling for Burro Awareness Month to become a nationally-recognized holiday? Sign our petition below!

SIGN THE PETITION →

Burros were first introduced to the Southwest desert by the Spaniards in the 1500s and served as a reliable companion to explorers and pioneers on their treks throughout the West in the centuries thereafter. Originally from Africa, these pack animals were prized for their hardiness in arid environments!

They worked tirelessly to carry supplies and machinery to mining camps and became indispensable to the workers of the West. At the end of the mining boom, many burros escaped or were turned loose, and with their innate ability to survive under the harshest conditions — wild herds eventually formed and flourished.

They’re not just rugged work animals though…wild burros are also some of the most adorable and cuddly creatures you’ll ever see! They have long ears, a short mane, and vary in color from black to brown to gray and even to pinto!

We’re sure that if more people learned about these beautiful creatures, burros would get the credit and attention they deserve! So this May, we are once again asking for your help to spread the word about our beloved wild burros. Will you sign on to our petition today to help make Burro Awareness Month a nationally-recognized holiday?

SIGN THE PETITION →

Thanks!
AWHC Team

Burro roundups are almost here, help us fight back!

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

Wild horse foaling season is underway, so from April to July, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has paused its wild horse roundups. Instead, it has set its sights on wild burros. The BLM is planning to roundup record numbers of burros starting on April 30th – one day before the start of Burro Awareness Month.

Over the next few months, the BLM aims to round up over 2,500 wild burros from five Herd Management Areas (HMAs) and permanently remove over 2,300. The largest operation will take place in the most genetically diverse burro herd, located in the Black Mountain HMA in Arizona where 1,120 wild burros will be permanently removed.

Even worse, the agency intends to use helicopters to chase these beloved animals into traps. This is a notable departure from primarily relying on bait trapping to capture burros.

AWHC field representatives will be on site at these burro roundups to hold the BLM accountable and our team will be working nonstop — on the Hill, in the courtroom, and on the range – to help save wild horses AND burros from inhumane helicopter roundups. But we need your help. 

Can you make a donation to ensure our team has the necessary resources to continue fighting back against the cruel roundup of wild burros?

HELP SAVE WILD BURROS

Unlike wild horses, who generally stay together during helicopter roundups and follow other horses into a trap site, wild burros are stoic animals and often stand their ground in the face of the helicopters, or scatter in an attempt to avoid capture. As a result, helicopter roundups can be even more brutal for burros. 

We are fighting for the West’s few remaining wild burros and we need your help. Please make a donation of $10, $25, or whatever you can afford to give today to help us continue our fight to save wild burros.

DONATE TODAY

Thank you,

– American Wild Horse Campaign

Mark your 📅 for June 24! It’s our All About Burros Webinar!

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

Please join us on Thursday, 6/24 at 2pm EST/11am PST for another webinar in our Keeping Wild Horses Wild 101 Series — all about burros! Click here for more information and to RSVP for the event!

We’ll be the first to admit that it can be difficult to stay up to speed with the complex issues affecting our nation’s wild horses and burros! With so many federal agencies, acronyms, and applicable laws, it’s easy to get confused.

That’s why we created our Keeping Wild Horses Wild 101 Series. In this series we’ll break the issues down for you with presentations covering topics from the history of our beloved equines to the present-day fight for their protection and preservation!

In this specific webinar, we’ll be focusing on the lesser-known of our federally-protected animals: wild burros! Wild burros have the same rich history and are as culturally significant as wild horses, but unfortunately, Meredith, they receive far less attention.

In this session we’ll cover: 

  • Burro Awareness Month
  • Interesting Burro Facts
  • The History
  • The Act
  • Roundups
  • What Science Says
  • Calls to Action

So please RSVP now to join members of the AWHC team for this important webinar on June 24th to learn all about wild burros and how you can help protect these cherished animals!

RSVP NOW >>

Thank you,
American Wild Horse Campaign

Make Burro Awareness Month a national holiday!

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The following is from the American Wild Horse Campaign:

In 2013 we started “Burro Awareness Month” to promote awareness and appreciation for the amazing and unique burros of America’s Southwest. Now, it’s time that we make it a national holiday! 

Sign on to our petition to make Burro Awareness Month a nationally-recognized holiday!

SIGN ON

Wild burros have the same rich history and are as culturally significant as wild horses, but unfortunately, they receive far less attention. 

Burros were first introduced to the Desert Southwest by the Spaniards in the 1500’s, and served as reliable companions to explorers and pioneers on their treks throughout the West in the years thereafter.

They worked tirelessly to carry supplies and machinery to mining camps, and became indispensable to the workers. At the end of the mining boom many burros escaped or were turned loose, and with their innate ability to survive under the harshest conditions—wild herds eventually formed and flourished.

America’s burros are protected under federal law, but they are in crisis due to government mismanagement which has caused dwindling numbers and a lack of genetic diversity. Our goal is to keep burros wild and free on the range through humane management programs and initiatives to ensure healthy populations of wild burros living on our public lands.

Will you take the first step and help us make Burro Awareness Month a national holiday to give these amazing animals the credit they deserve?

SIGN THE PETITION

Fewer than 15,000 burros are estimated to remain on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Forest Service lands across the U.S. Like wild horses, these agencies have historically managed burros by rounding them up and removing large numbers of them from the range.

AWHC is spreading awareness about wild burros and fighting to preserve their populations within the U.S., but we need your help. Will you sign on to our petition today to help make Burro Awareness Month a nationally-recognized holiday?

SIGN ON

Thank you,
AWHC Team