For Release: Sept. 5, 2003
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332, or Pardee Bardwell (707) 468-4055
CA-N-03-92

Wild burros offered for adoption in Orland

A group of wild burros will be looking for new homes, when the U. S. Bureau of Land Management offers them for public adoption Saturday, Oct. 4, during the third annual "Longears Cele-bray-tion," a show and competition event for donkey owners, set for the Glenn County Sheriff's Posse Memorial Arena in Orland.

BLM will offer 12 burros on a first come basis. The adoption fee is $125.

"Adopters know that wild burros are intelligent, inquisitive and social animals," said Pardee Bardwell, a wild horse and burro specialist with the BLM. "They make great pasture pets and companions for horses or other burros. Adopters have trained their burros to ride, pull carts and pack gear into the back country. Some have even used them to protect livestock from predators, such as coyotes."

To qualify, adopters must be at least 18 and have the ability and financial means to care for the animal. Adopted burros must be kept in a corral with a four-and-half-foot pipe or board fence. The animals can be released into larger pastures once they have been gentled. Adopters must also provide a two-sided shelter, with a roof, to provide protection from severe weather conditions. After providing a year of good care, adopters receive title to their animals.

The Longears Cele-bray-tion, set for Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 4 and 5, is a lighthearted and fun-filled event for burro and mule owners, according to organizer Virginia Freeman of Artois.

"We'll have lots of show and competitive classes," Freeman said. "Our goal is just to have fun!" Event titles such as donkey lawn chair racing and a "Lady Godiva burro saddle race" hint at the fun intended for this event. Admission is free to the public and vendors.

To reach the Sheriff's Posse Arena, take Interstate 5 to Orland and take the South/16th Street exit. Drive east on South Street about a half mile to Sixth Street. Turn left and drive about 1.2 miles to County Road 21 and turn right. The arena is at the end of the road.

Information on the adoption opportunity is available from the BLM's Ukiah Field Office, (707) 468-4000. Cele-bray-tion information is available from Virginia or Dave Freeman at (530) 934-7658 or by emailing wildzone@inreach.com.

-BLM-

Northern California Support Team
2950 Riverside Dr. - Susanville, CA 96130