Adopt Your Furry Companion at BLM’s Exciting Burro Palooza in Marana & Willcox!

Residents of Arizona have a unique opportunity to adopt wild burros trained by inmates through the Bureau of Land Management’s Burro Palooza, commencing March 1. Events will take place in two locations: Marana on March 1-2 and Willcox on March 4-5.

To qualify for adoption, participants must be over 18, possess BLM-approved facilities for the burro, and bring a suitable trailer for transport. Adopters will find a mix of trained and untrained burros available at the events. Notably, burros, which are hardy animals capable of thriving in extreme desert conditions, have a rich history in the United States, dating back to their introduction by Spanish missionaries in the 1500s.

As populations skyrocket, concerns regarding overpopulation and environmental damage arise. “When populations are high, we see increased resource damage,” said Dolores Garcia, a spokesperson for Arizona BLM. She emphasized that reducing the number of burros on public lands can lead to healthier herds and better resource management.

Some of the burros offered for adoption have undergone training by inmates at the Arizona Department of Corrections, who participate in programs such as Arizona Correctional Industries. Although most burros will be untrained, Garcia assures potential adopters that training is manageable. “They can be quite food-motivated, and if you’re dedicated, they can be trained up rather quickly,” she added.

The adoption fee is set at $125 for untrained burros and $500 for those that are trained. All animals have been vet-checked, vaccinated, and dewormed, and detailed animal listings will be shared on the BLM’s Facebook page before the events.

Garcia highlighted the personable nature of burros, describing them as “sweet” and “thoughtful” companions on farms or ranches. While some may perceive them as stubborn, Garcia believes their behavior results from being deliberate and thoughtful, rather than simply unwilling to cooperate.

The adoption events are scheduled at the Marana Heritage Center from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 1-2 and at Quail Park in Willcox from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 4 and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on March 5. Interested individuals are encouraged to complete their applications ahead of time on the BLM’s website.