Black Mountain Burro Rescue: A Story of Hope and Preservation

The Black Mountain Burro Rescueis a heartwarming story of collaboration and dedication to preserving America'swild burros. In May 2015, 24wild burrosfrom the Black Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA) in Arizona were rescued from being deemed 'nuisance' animals by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). This article explores the efforts made by the American Wild Horse Conservation (formerly American Wild Horse Campaign) and its partners to ensure these burros find safe and loving homes.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Black Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA) in Arizona is the largest federally-protected habitat area for burros in the nation. With an estimated population of more than 1,500 burros, the Black Mountain population is likely the most genetically healthy and significant population ofwild burrosremaining in the United States.

In May 2015, theBLMbait trapped 24wild burrosfrom the Black Mountain HMA. These burros were captured because they were accessing water at a golf course and deemed to be 'nuisance' animals by theBLM.

Simone NetherlandsofRespect4Horses, an Arizona-based group and AWHC coalition partner, secured an agreement to adopt out the horses directly from temporary holding. This agreement prevented theBLMfrom shipping them to a holding facility in Utah, where the burro families and friends would be separated and difficult to track.

The group includes one senior Jack who is bonded with another older Jack, several moms with yearlings and/or young foals - including four born in the temporary corrals.

Working withRespect4Horses, AWHC assisted in the placement of the burros -- thanks to the willingness ofMontgomery Creek RanchandReturn to Freedomto take them in! AWHC also secured a grant from a generous anonymous donor and sponsor of the Platero Project, which has helped to underwrite their adoption fees and transport.

July 19, 2015:

Pictured below are 4 burros who were rescued bySimone Netherlandsand will continue to live their life in Arizona on a beautiful 15-acre private ranch.

July 17, 2015

Just after midnight on Friday, July 17, 2015, twelve burros arrived safe and sound atReturn to Freedom. They consisted of 3 mature jacks, one baby jack, and 7 adult and baby jennies.

Twelve Burros roll in after midnight Friday night! Please support our sanctuary work by sponsoring a burro...

Please consider sponsoring a burro to help Return to Freedom continue its lifesaving work.

July 9, 2015:

On July 9, the first of the burros arrived at their new home atMontgomery Creek Ranch, a private 2,000-acre sanctuary in Northern California. The burros arrived in great condition, appearing unstressed as they explored their new surroundings. A few of the tamer burros even sought out some affection from the humans, who watched in appreciation as these precious animals embarked on their new lives at this spacious and amazing sanctuary, where they will join some 200 wild horses.

Eight Black Mountain burros from Arizona arrived on July 10th: one older gentleman OJ (Original Jack) and his best buddy...

More photos below!