Black Mountain Burro Rescue: A Story of Hope and Preservation

The Black Mountain Burro Rescue is a heartwarming story of collaboration and dedication to preserving America's wild burros. In May 2015, 24 wild burros from 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 of wild burros remaining in the United States.

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

Simone Netherlands of Respect4Horses, an Arizona-based group and AWHC coalition partner, secured an agreement to adopt out the horses directly from temporary holding. This agreement prevented the BLM from 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 with Respect4Horses, AWHC assisted in the placement of the burros -- thanks to the willingness of Montgomery Creek Ranch and Return to Freedom to 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 by Simone Netherlands and 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 at Return to Freedom. They consisted of 3 mature jacks, one baby jack, and 7 adult and baby jennies.

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 at Montgomery 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.

More photos below!