Meet the inmate-trained wild burros available in Arizona on August 14

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Arizona, together with Arizona Corrections Industries and the Arizona Department of Corrections, is hosting a special Wild Burro Placement Event on August 14 at the Florence Wild Horse and Burro Training and Off‑Range Corral. This event offers a unique opportunity for people to meet, learn about, and potentially take home wild burros that have been gathered from BLM‑managed public lands.

What makes August 14 special? While the facility offers both trained and untrained burros, August 14 is the showcase day for inmate‑trained animals. These burros have spent months working with inmate trainers who help them learn essential skills like leading, standing for grooming, carrying pack saddles, and sometimes even riding or cart work.

The day begins with a training demonstration at 9:30 a.m., giving visitors a behind‑the‑scenes look at how the animals are handled and what they’ve learned. After the demonstration, trained burros will be offered through an auction starting at $500. Any trained animals not purchased during the auction will be made available on a first‑come, first‑served basis later in the day. Untrained burros will also be available for $125 throughout the event on a first-come, first-served basis.

Whether you choose a trained or untrained burro, every animal onsite has been examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, de‑wormed, and tested negative for Coggins. After being gathered from public lands, every wild burro receives a unique freeze mark on the left side of the neck. This permanent marking identifies the animal as property of the U.S. government and serves as its official record throughout the adoption or purchase process. It’s an important part of the program that helps ensure accurate tracking, humane care, and lifelong identification for each animal.

If you’re inspired to bring home a wild horse or burro, the BLM offers two pathways to help you meet your goals. Purchasing an animal provides immediate ownership, while adoption allows you to work with your new partner for one year before the BLM grants title. No matter which option you choose, the process is designed to help ensure the animals are placed in safe, well-prepared homes. 

Applications may be submitted at events, sent directly to the BLM, or completed online, making it easy to get started. Once approved, you’re eligible to adopt or purchase the animal that’s right for you.

Can’t make it to the August 14 event in Florence? You still have great options for finding your perfect wild burro partner! Keep an eye on the BLM’s Wild Horse and Burro Adoption and Sale Event Calendar for upcoming opportunities across the region. You can also visit one of the BLM’s Forever Branded partner adoption centers. In Arizona, a Forever Branded Adoption Center is in Queen Creek, offering another way to meet and adopt a wild burro that’s ready for a new home.

There are always new opportunities to connect with these incredible animals. Your future wild burro may be waiting just around the corner!

We hope you can make it on August 14! This event is an opportunity to support public land stewardship, learn more about the inmate training program, and perhaps even meet the wild burro that’s meant to join your family.

Learn more about the inmate trained burros that will be available on August 14.

Rusty

Meet Rusty! Rusty is a five-year-old gelded jack with a strong, willing work ethic and a versatile skill set. He drives a cart well, carries a pack saddle, and can also be ridden, making him a great fit for someone looking for a hard-working and adaptable partner. He stands quietly when tied, during grooming, and for hoof trimming. Rusty may need a little extra time and patience to get comfortable with people who aren’t dressed in prison clothing, but with consistent, gentle handling, he’s ready to bond and thrive in a new home.

Rhea

Meet Rhea! Rhea is a ten-year-old jenny who has made impressive progress through the training program. She’s both rideable and capable of carrying a pack saddle, making her a great partner for trail rides, packing, or simply enjoying life as a calm and willing companion. She stands quietly for grooming and hoof trimming, and she’s learning to become more confident in different situations.

Right now, Rhea feels most comfortable following another donkey when being led or ridden. With continued gentle, consistent handling, she’ll build the confidence she needs to take the lead on her own. She’s a sweet, steady burro with a lot of potential for someone willing to help her keep growing.

Shakira

Meet Shakira! This nine‑year‑old jenny is a versatile, willing partner who can be ridden, accepts the pack saddle, and has even been introduced to cart work. She stands calmly for grooming and hoof trimming, and while she still needs a little extra time to feel fully comfortable with a mane brush, she handles every other part of grooming with ease.

If you’re looking for a gentle, capable burro who’s well on her way in her training, Shakira might be the perfect match.

Ruby

Meet Ruby! Ruby is a seven-year-old jenny. She is a willing and capable partner who can carry a pack saddle and be ridden. She stands nicely for grooming, and while she can be a little fidgety during hoof trimming, it’s not in a naughty or difficult way, she’s just still learning. Ruby can also be a bit skittish, so she’ll benefit from continued confidence building with a patient adopter who can help her feel secure.

If you’re looking for a sweet, trainable burro with lots of potential, Ruby is ready to meet you on August 14.