For Immediate Release: Sept. 29, 2004 CA-N-04-109
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332, or Pardee Bardwell (707) 468-4055

WILD BURROS OFFERED FOR ADOPTION IN RED BLUFF

Wild burros will be available for public adoption Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 9 and 10, during the annual Longears Cele'bray'tion, set for the Pauline Davis Arena at the Tehama County Fairgrounds in Red Bluff. Adoption gates open at 9 a.m. both days.

The Bureau of Land Management will offer a small number of burros for adoption. The exact number will depend on availability from the BLM corrals.

"Adopters know that 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 years old. 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, also set for Oct. 9 and 10, 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. Riding and packing events are on Saturday, and driving and pulling events are planned for Sunday," Freeman said. "Our main goal with the event is just to have fun!"

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

-BLM-

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