News.bytes Extra, issue 206News.bytes Extra, issue 206
A spirited bidding war for burros was a highlight of the Bureau of Land Management’s wild horse and burro adoption event held Nov. 11 through 13 in Gilroy. A total of 41 animals – 37 horses and four burros went to new homes.
With only four burros available, competition was keen among hopeful adopters who participated in an hour-long silent auction and a final round of oral bidding. When the bidding ended, a burro brought a $925 bid, the highest offered for any animal in the event.
The BLM’s standard adoption fee is $125 per animal. Silent bidding at adoption events gives everyone the chance to compete for animals that attract interest from many prospective adopters.
Below, BLM staffer Dennis Knipple conducts an auction among two people interested in taking home the same burro.
Horse gentling demonstrations are usually part of BLM adoption events, and Gilroy was no exception. Below, trainer Lesley Neuman works with a filly to show limited resistance techniques.
After about two hours of gentling, the horse was beginning to gain trust. A young adoption visitor was already making friends, below:
BLM Ranger Pat Apley visited from his post in Paso Robles, and spent time chatting with adoption visitors, below.
Above, the interaction between humans and animals is always an adoption highlight. This burro seems curious about what might be in the cup.
Below, a hopeful adopter discusses options under the watchful gaze of a horse waiting to find a home.
Visits from the news media are important part of BLM adoption events. Publication of success stories is an important way that potential adopters learn about the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program. Below, a Santa Cruz Sentinel photographer was on hand to capture the adoption adventure of a young event visitor.
